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Update to international travel policy

To: University Community

From: Persis Drell, Provost

Subject: International Travel Policy

With respect to individual faculty, staff, graduate student and postdoctoral scholar travelers, Stanford University strongly recommends against, but does not prohibit, travel to countries where the International SOS risk rating (either the medical risk or travel risk) is “High” or “Extreme,” or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks  for either the country destination, or for the particular region or location of intended travel within the country destination, or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks. To determine a location’s International SOS medical and travel risk ratings, To determine a location’s International SOS medical and travel risk ratings, please visit this page.

The final decision about making a trip to such a country is up to the individual making the trip, however the University reserves the right to require the execution of an appropriate release or waiver before permitting such travel.

Travel to countries with ongoing conflicts and/or significant safety concerns that pose a danger to evacuation personnel requires additional notification and registration of travel itineraries prior to departure and may result in additional costs to individual travelers and the sponsoring unit. It is therefore strongly recommended that faculty, staff, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars consult with Global Risk Management well in advance of their travel dates to obtain advice on how to minimize risks to themselves and to their research.

For undergraduate students, Stanford-sponsored or Stanford-organized trips are prohibited to countries or regions and locations within a country where International SOS risk rating (either the medical risk or travel risk) is “High” or “Extreme,” or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks  for either the country destination, or for the particular region or location of intended travel within the country destination, or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks. To determine a location’s International SOS medical and travel risk ratings, please visit this page.

No university funds or resources may be used, university sponsorship provided, or academic credit awarded, in support of travel to these locations. All individuals engaging in university-sponsored travel must comply with all applicable travel policies.

[This paragraph was updated 3/22/22] There are also certain countries and regions that are subject to US comprehensive sanctions that restrict travel and we expect our faculty, students and staff to comply with those restrictions while traveling on university business. Travel that includes research activity in, or the shipment or hand-carry of certain Stanford property to, those locations may require an export license. Stanford University is committed to facilitating compliant international research and educational travel. To ensure the safety of the Stanford community we encourage all faculty, staff and students to engage in thoughtful planning of their travels well in advance and to fully utilize the resources that are available to them.

Travel Exception

In rare cases, the University may grant a travel policy exception for undergraduate travel to a country or location where the International SOS risk rating (either the medical risk or travel risk) is “High” or “Extreme,” or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks. The process for requesting such an exception is outlined here. It is imperative to begin the process to request a travel policy exception early enough to allow time for review. As stated in the linked memo, any request less than four (4) weeks prior to a travel deadline will not be considered.

Questions?

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) (725-0076, international.stanford.edu) also can provide context on a number of issues related to international travel, including export controls, anti-bribery laws, and personal health and safety.