All students, staff, and faculty are required (per Policy 8.5) to add their Cornell-related international travel plans to the Cornell International Travel Registry. We recommend registering two to six weeks before departure to ensure the most accurate travel information can be recorded. Once recorded, you may log in to the registry to update your registration details at any time. Please visit Global Cornell for more detailed information.

Business Travel Insurance

International Assumption of Risk and Release (Waiver)

Please be advised that Cornell requires all students traveling internationally to complete the International Travel Assumption of Risk, Release, and Hold Harmless Agreement.

Non-Cornell Travelers

While it is discouraged to have non-university travelers (such as dependents and guests) accompany you on Cornell-related business travel, it is not explicitly forbidden. However, they are not permitted to engage in or disrupt any Cornell programs or business-related activities, and the university does not reimburse any expenses incurred by them. Approval from risk management is necessary prior to any dependents or guests accompanying you.

Cornell does not offer travel medical or accident insurance for non-Cornell participants or travelers accompanying Cornell individuals on university-related travel. Non-Cornell individuals are responsible for obtaining appropriate travel, medical, and accident insurance.

Non-Cornell travelers are encouraged to check with their insurance providers if their existing plan offers or if they can obtain travel, medical, or accident coverage.

If you need travel insurance for your dependents or guests, you may also consider using the following link: [International Travel Insurance – Non-Cornell Traveler]. Please note that this is not an endorsement of this specific company but provided to assist you in your research.

Restricted Countries

Know Which Countries, cities, and/or regions are Restricted as part of your travel plans. “If Cornell travel involving students, staff, alumni, or the public includes a destination listed Elevated Risk Destination, a petition to travel must be submitted to International Travel Advisory and Response Team (ITART)…

If a Travel Advisory Level 4 is issued for a specific region of a country, then this restriction applies only to that region. Travel to other regions of the country is not restricted.

State Department Travel Warnings Website Link: Travel Advisories (state.gov)

For example:

Please Note: Security evacuation coverage is not currently provided for Israel due to its classification as a known war risk zone, and the following exclusions apply:

(6) the conditions leading to the Insured’s departure were in existence prior to the Insured entering the location in which he or she was traveling while on a Covered Trip

(9) the expenses incurred are due to military or political issues and the Insured’s Security Evacuation request is made more than 30 days after the Appropriate Authority(ies) Advisory was issued.

Travel Restrictions

If you are planning travel to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel, Gaza, West Bank or Lebanon, on Cornell related business, the University and its insurance company, Zurich, require prior review and a formal approval process. In addition, there will be a premium surcharge per traveler if travel is approved by Cornell University and Zurich. Approval requests are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Please contact RMI immediately for further Instructions or guidance.

Please provide a response to the following questions at least 45 days prior to travel and submit to Office of Risk Management for approval:

1. 1. Number of people traveling to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel, Gaza, West Bank or Lebanon (please specify status – US National, Third Country National, Local National)
   2. Where are they going within Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel, Gaza, West Bank or Lebanon? Please be as specific as possible and include city and hotel name(s).
   3. What is the duration of travel?
   4. What is the purpose of the travel? Please be as specific as possible.
   5. What safety protocols are in place for the travel? Please be as detailed as possible.
   6. How many people travel together at one time?
   7. What means of transportation do they use?
   8. What limitations are in place for travel in terms of areas of travel, modes of travel, etc.
   9. How many people stay in the same location? What is the maximum number of people in one place at one time?
   10. What would cause a pull back from a particular area within Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel, Gaza, West Bank or Lebanon in general?

_{PLEASE NOTE: Travel to Restricted Countries by faculty, staff, and students necessitates prior approval from Risk Management before initiating any travel arrangements. Failure to notify RMI will result in denial of coverages and services.}

Cuba Travel Liability Insurance Coverage

Prior to your trip to Cuba, make sure to check out the Travel to Cuba page. Fill out the Travel Certification and Cuba Travel Itinerary and send them to Risk Management for submission to the insurance company for approval.

Please anticipate a minimum processing time of 30 days to obtain the travel certification from the insurance company before proceeding with any travel arrangements to Cuba.

Cuba Travel Certification

The insurance carrier can only offer insurance to individuals under U.S. jurisdiction traveling to Cuba if they are authorized under U.S. law. Authorization is granted by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) through either (a) one of 12 general licenses or (b) issuance of a specific license.

The carrier’s ability to fulfill its obligations under the policy depends on the accuracy of this certification. Note that a new Certification is necessary for each trip to Cuba, and a separate Certification is required for each adult traveler.

Operating a Vehicle Internationally

Please Note: Students who wish to drive Internationally on behalf of Cornell are required to get RMI’s approval at least 30 days prior to departure. 

For information about the use of vehicles abroad contact the Office of Risk Management and Insurance.

Volunteers Who Travel

In addition to standard policies that govern all volunteers, volunteers who will be traveling (domestically or internationally) also must meet other criteria. If you have questions or would like more details, contact the Office of Risk Management.