As of June 9, 2025, the U.S. has implemented a new travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries and imposing limited restrictions on 7 others. This policy may impact many of our researchers and collaborators.

Full Entry Ban (12 Countries)

Nationals from the following countries are entirely barred from entering the U.S. under both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories:

• Afghanistan

• Burma (Myanmar)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

Note: While existing visas remain valid, new visa applications from these countries will be denied unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

Limited Entry Restrictions (7 Countries)

Nationals from these countries are restricted from entering the U.S. on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

Note: These restrictions apply to new visa applications; existing visas may remain valid.

Key Exemptions Relevant to WCM’s Research Activities

The following individuals are exempt from the travel restrictions:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

• Dual nationals traveling on a passport issued by a country not on the restricted list

• Individuals holding valid nonimmigrant visas in the following classifications:

  • A-1, A-2 (diplomatic)

  • C-2, C-3 (international organization)

  • G-1 to G-4 (international organization)

  • NATO-1 to NATO-6

• Immediate family members of U.S. citizens with approved immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5)

• Individuals who can demonstrate that their entry would serve a U.S. national interest, as determined by the Attorney General

Note: Waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis if denying entry would cause undue hardship, the individual poses no threat to national security or public safety, and their entry is in the national interest.

For all visa-related questions, please contact HR directly:

• Phone: (646) 962-9247

• Website: hr.weill.cornell.edu

• Submit a ServiceNow Ticket: wcmcprd.service-now.com/hr

• Purpose of travel
• Export Controls
• Reviews requirements for licenses and permits, as necessary.
• Conducts restricted party screening for involved entities.
• Updates on sanctions, embargoes, and restrictions.
• Contact Export Controls via email or visit the Export Controls website if you have any questions or concerns.
• Research Security
• Reviews foreign engagements and data sharing
• Contact Export Controls via email if you have any questions or concerns.
• Hand-Carry/Shipping Requirements
• To help ensure that WCM faculty and staff do not experience customs delays, seizure of goods, or unintentional violation of federal export laws, all hand-carried exports should be approved prior to travel. To ensure sufficient time for review, submit a Shipping Assessment Form at least two weeks before the travel date.
• Upon approval, an official letter will be issued permitting the hand-carry of items.
• WCM does not permit students or postdocs to hand-carry items.
• An Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing may be required; the Office of Research Operations Shipping team can assist with this.
• Examples of Items Applicable to Hand-Carrying Exports: Carrying research samples or consumables abroad to/from your WCM-affiliated lab via suitcase carry-on.
• Contact Shipping via email or visit the Shipping website if you have any questions or concerns.
• ITS devices
• Request a loaner laptop here.
• Other devices may be restricted for hand-carry or shipping; approval required.
• Contact ITS Support via email or visit the ITS website with any questions or concerns.
• Digital Privacy Tips for Travelers – See More Information Here
• Funding Support
• All WCM travel needs to be approved by the Spend Control Committee (SCC) before booking. Reimbursement is contingent upon submission of the Trip ID and approvals. Trips may be cancelled/not reimbursed if preapproval is not obtained. Submit information at least a week in advance to ensure timely review.
• Contact the SCC via email with any questions or concerns.
• Risk Management
• Insurance Requirements
• Contact Risk Management via email or visit the Risk Management website if you have any questions or concerns.

• Purpose of travel
• Contact Global Health Electives via email or visit the International Medical Student Education site if you have any questions or concerns.
• Export Controls
• Reviews requirements for licenses and permits, as necessary.
• Conducts restricted party screening for involved entities.
• Updates on sanctions, embargoes, and restrictions.
• Contact Export Controls via email or visit the Export Controls website if you have any questions or concerns.

• Research Security
• Reviews foreign engagements and data sharing
• Contact Export Controls via email if you have any questions or concerns.

• ITS devices
• Request a loaner laptop here.
• Other devices may be restricted for hand-carry or shipping, approval required.
• An Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing may be required, the Office of Research Operations Shipping team can assist with this.
• Contact ITS support via email or visit the ITS website with any questions or concerns.
• Risk Management
• Insurance Requirements
• Hold harmless
• Contact Risk Management via email or visit the Risk Management website if you have any questions or concerns.

• WCM travelers will receive a security briefing prior to travel.
• Foreign Travel Security
• In addition, WCM is in the process of implementing a foreign travel security training for all individuals engaged in international travel. This training will be mandatory and must be completed within one year of the availability of a foreign travel security training resource from the relevant federal research agency. The training will need to be renewed every five years to maintain compliance. Additional information is forthcoming.

• Go to the Travel Registry
• Create a profile
• Use your WCM email and enter your name, phone number, and emergency contact. (No need to upload your passport.)
• Add your trip
  Click + Add New Trip and enter your travel details. Be sure to include your return date.
• WCM Spend Control Committee (SCC) Approval

1. Add the fund number or departmental contact
2. Include essential travel justification

1. This is necessary to complete the review process.
2. You may be requested to upload different documentation (i.e., Shipping Assessment forms, safety datasheets, etc).
3. If further clarification is needed, you may be contacted via email.

Before you go:

Special Precautions for Travel to High-Risk Countries

High-risk countries (namely China, Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria) represent foreign entities that pose a high risk of compromise or other security attack against the USA. Travel to these areas may require special approval by the High-Risk Committee.

Other Tips:

• Take only the minimum number of electronic devices needed for your trip. You are strongly encouraged to leave your WCM devices at home.
• Submit a request to borrow a laptop from the Library. Some high-risk countries, including China, prohibit the import of encrypted devices, and taking a standard WCM laptop into the country poses a real risk of your device being compromised.
• If possible, you should not access websites containing sensitive information (e.g., financial, health, etc.) while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Chinese officials often block using VPN software to protect your privacy on the internet, but you can attempt to use VPN software from ITS to access WCM resources while abroad.
• Keep electronic devices in your possession; hotel staff often have access to in-room safes

• Q: What is considered Cornell-related travel?
  A: If you travel on behalf of WCM in any capacity, regardless of funding, you must register the travel.

• Q: If my travel is not WCM funded, do I still have to register my international travel?

A: Yes, you will still need to register for travel. Even though this is externally funded and all pre-approved, WCM is still mandated by the government to track all international travel and provide reporting.

• Q: What do I need to get reimbursed for my international travel?

A: You must obtain the Trip ID when submitting your trip for reimbursement. Follow these instructions to obtain your Trip ID.

• Q: What if I mistakenly registered my travel as “non-Cornell related”?

A: You will need to delete your trip and re-enter another trip. Unfortunately, the system does not currently retrigger required workflows and questions.

• Q: What happens when I do not submit my trip?

A: Your trip will be deleted within 7 days if it hasn’t been submitted.

• Q: Can I register a trip on my PI’s behalf?

A: Yes, you can be assigned as their delegate. Both of you must have registered user accounts in the system so that they can locate your account and assign you as a delegate. Follow these instructions to complete this process.

• Q: Do I need to bring a loaner laptop for my personal travel?

A: If you are traveling for personal reasons, please visit this website to contact ITS for further guidance. You must request a loaner laptop to work remotely while traveling to high-risk, embargoed, or sanctioned countries.

• Q: Do I need to register my domestic travel?

A: The travel registry is only required for international travel. Note, SCC advance approval is required for domestic trips to receive reimbursement. The WCM Spend Control Committee listserv is spendcontrolcommittee@med.cornell.edu.

• Q: Can I register a group trip?

A: Not at this time. Please register each traveler individually.

• Q: If I bring a laptop, must I submit a shipping assessment form?

A: No, it is not required. However, please notify us if the equipment's value is over $2500 and/or if you do not plan to return it upon your return.

• Q: If I have multiple affiliations and travel internationally, is this considered Cornell travel, and does it require registration?

A: Yes, if you travel on behalf of WCM in any capacity, regardless of funding, you must register the travel.

• Q: What if I do not register my international travel?

A: Unfortunately, you will not be reimbursed or covered under the WCM travel insurance policies. In emergencies, we will not be able to respond promptly or assist.