Skip to main
News

Updated Duke Travel Guidance

Dear Duke Community,

We write to provide updated travel guidance for international faculty, staff and students at Duke who hold visas to study or work in the United States.

After careful review, Duke has revised guidance from April 2025 that discouraged international travel unless essential. We now advise all visa holders to undertake thoughtful planning and preparation before leaving the United States, and we remind visa holders to follow carefully the latest regulations and policies when re-entering the U.S. We recommend members of the Duke community take the information below into account when deciding whether to travel outside the country.

Thank you for your continued attention to this information and for being a part of the Duke community. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch with our colleagues in Duke Visa Services and the Duke International Student Center for additional support or information at any time. We are grateful to these teams and to the faculty, staff and students supporting our international community members.

Sincerely,

Antwan Lofton 
Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer

Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs

Before you travel:

  • Review Duke Visa Services’ Travel Abroad and Reentry to the United States page.
  • Consult with Duke Visa Services (DVS), Duke International Student Center (DISC), academic departments and your supervisor to help think through your travel plans.
  • Students: We recommend obtaining proof of enrollment prior to departure and having a printed copy available when you are traveling. Students living on campus should request a housing letter. Students living off campus can verify their address with a lease agreement through your landlord.
  • Employees: Consider having a printed copy of your Duke offer letter and your three most recent pay stubs with you.
  • All Duke travelers, whether students, faculty or staff, should register international travel in the Duke Travel Registry.

When entering the United States:

  • Allow for extra time at U.S. ports of entry for transiting and be prepared for delays.
  • Keep up-to-date travel documentation readily accessible in your carry-on luggage. If you have questions about which documents you will require, please reach out to your Duke Visa Services advisor.
  • Expect U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect your passport, visa and visa documents and ask questions about your travel and visa status. These could include questions about the purpose for your visit, and any questions related to their mission priorities, which include safeguarding U.S. borders.
  • Be aware that CBP can search electronic devices, including social media and private messages, at points of entry. More information regarding this policy can be found here.
  • Note that a valid visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. CBP may deny entry – even to valid visa holders – for a variety of reasons, including sudden policy changes.
  • Students: Duke can verify your enrollment if a CBP agent asks.
    • Call Duke Visa Services at +1-919-681-8472 (Mon-Fri 8:30a-4:30p EST).
    • After business hours, call the Dean on Call at +1-984-287-0300 (available 24/7 to help connect you with Duke Visa Services.
    •  Duke can verify immigration status or affiliation with Duke if CBP requires such confirmation. 
  • Faculty, Staff and Scholars:
    • Call your supervisor if CBP needs confirmation of employment.
    • Call Duke Visa Services at +1-919-681-8472 (Mon-Fri 8:30a-4:30p EST) to verify status. 
    • After business hours, call Duke Police at +1-919-684-2444 (available 24/7 to help connect you with Duke Visa Services).

While in the United States:

  • Follow visa guidelines and engage only in activities permitted under your visa category. If you are unsure about what your visa allows, please contact Duke Visa Services.
  • Carry proof of your immigration status at all times, as required under U.S. law. This evidence will vary depending on your visa status but could include a green card (Form I-551), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-20, Form DS-2019, Form I-797 approval notice, electronic I-94 printout, valid passport or other documents. You can read more immigration reminders on the Duke Visa Services website.
  • Individuals seeking information or resources for immigration-related legal assistance may visit the Immigration Resource found on this page, under the 'Additional Resources' header.

If you’re unable to re-enter the United States:

  • Comply with any guidance from Customs and Border Protection.
    Community members can try to re-enter at a U.S. port of entry; however, please note that you could be denied entry again. As mentioned above, a valid visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. CBP has the power to deny entry – even to valid visa holders – for a variety of reasons.
  • Students: Contact DISC or your Duke Visa Services advisor if you are unable to re-enter the country. Unless otherwise specified, in-person attendance is required for coursework. Inability to return may require withdrawal from courses and financial responsibility for tuition and fees.

Faculty, staff, scholars, postdocs: We recommend being in contact with your supervisors/departments and Duke Visa Services.