Elevated Approval: Travel to Moldova, Egypt, Cyprus, Turkey

While not suspended, UT System requires official travel to Moldova, Egypt, Cyprus, and Turkey receive elevated approval by the IOC and the President and review by Legal Affairs and Export Control.   

This review process is managed by the Global Initiatives  and can be lengthy  as it requires review and approval from multiple offices, including notification from the President’s Office to UT System. 

Actions and Guidance 

1. Check Restricted Regions List
2. Prepare IOC documents and route them through your college or unit. Signatures are required from your Dept chair/Supervisor and Dean/VP/Unit leader.   This process can take from 1-4 weeks.  Track the progress of your document so that it receives the required signatures by the due date for the  the IOC meeting.  The IOC does not review requests off-cycle. Requests to the IOC are due the Thursday before each meeting date.  IOC Calendar 
3. Submit completed Travel Request to the International Oversight Committee (IOC) at globaltravel@utsa.edu. Once submitted, the process can take another 2.5- 4 weeks depending on whether the IOC has additional questions.  You can avoid additional questions by providing thorough responses to all questions on the request.  The committee meets every two weeks.  
4. In addition to the IOC travel request form, prepare a written statement on the purpose of your travel which will be part of the presidential review. Statements should clearly address: 
   • The significance and urgency of the trip, 
   • How the travel advances your professional/ research objectives, 
   • Whether the objectives could be achieved through alternative options, such as another location or virtual engagement.  
   • Submit the statement along with the completed IOC request form to  globaltravel@utsa.edu. 
5. The IOC will review your travel request and, in the process, it will be reviewed by Legal Affairs and Export Control. 
   • If the IOC approves your request, you will be notified. Note that per UT System international travel policy, travel that has been approved by the IOC may be subject to additional review if there is a change in circumstances and/or additional review is deemed necessary by the IOC. The IOC may withdraw travel approval at any time. 
   • Your request will be sent for presidential review three weeks prior to date of expected travel.  
6. Request a Travel Authorization from your department or unit. 
   • All faculty and staff are required to submit a Travel Authorization for business travel before departure. The TA is a university requirement and is not a part of the Restricted Regions request process, nor is it processed through Global Initiatives. Contact your department with any questions. 
7. Complete Mandatory Export Control Requirement 
   • If you are traveling internationally with any UT San Antonio‑owned equipment, you must complete an export control review prior to departure. This requirement ensures compliance with U.S. export control regulations. Access required forms and additional guidance
8. Complete Mandatory Cybersecurity Requirement 
   • Travelers visiting destinations outside North America must submit a Cyber Security Travel Notification 2–3 business days prior to departure. This notification alerts the Cyber Operations team of upcoming international travel and helps prevent travel‑related account lockouts or access restrictions. Submit the notification using the ServiceNow portal
9. Presidential review 
   • Within three weeks of your trip, the IOC will review the security situation of your destination again and, if unchanged or improved, your request will be forwarded for presidential review.  If the security situation has worsened, the IOC may modify or revoke its travel approval and recommendation. 
   • You will receive a response from the President 10-14 days prior to departure through globaltravel@utsa.edu.  
10. Register your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 
    • If you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Department of State. This will inform the U.S. Embassy you are in-country and allow them to email you critical alerts and travel/security advice while abroad.  
    • Citizens of other countries can register their trip in their home country’s equivalent of STEP. 
11. Review Health & Safety Resources 
    • Review our Health & Safety Resources to help you prepare for your trip. 

Actions and Guidance  

A UT San Antonio employee who makes a personal trip to any of the countries, may not conduct any official university business while in country.  

1. No approval for personal travel is needed.  
2. No official business may be conducted while in country.  
3. Faculty may perform limited, de minimus tasks—such as responding to an email or a grade change —from a personal device. 
4. Do not take any university assets.  
5. Review Personal Device Security briefing prior to travel and adhere to guidance 
6. Enroll in STEP if you are a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident. 
7. Review Health & Safety Resources