New University Approval Processes Introduced for Foreign Travel

The university's travel office has implemented new approval processes for faculty, researchers and research department staff engaging in employment-related travel to areas defined as a "foreign adversary" under Arkansas law and federal regulations. Employment-related travel includes any travel funded, reimbursed or supported by the university for research, teaching, collaboration or professional duties. 

In addition to existing travel approval procedures, a designated research office will now preapprove and screen planned travel and employment-related activities to the following governments and entities: 

• People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau) 

• Russian Federation 

• Islamic Republic of Iran 

• Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) 

• Republic of Cuba 

• Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 

• Syrian Arab Republic 

• Any foreign terrorist organization designated by the U.S. Secretary of State 

• Any entity designated by the U.S. Government as a foreign adversary 

The university will also begin maintaining records of all travel to the above areas for a minimum of three years and will produce an annual report of such travel for the Board of Trustees. Travelers will be responsible for personally funding any expenses incurred as part of travel that does not receive prior approval. 

For more information about the new approval processes, contact Kim Gilbert with Travel Services at (479) 575-4033 or gilbert@uark.edu.