Kamal Ghorui
Major geopolitical tensions rarely remain confined to diplomatic channels. Universities that send students and faculty across the world often find themselves adjusting travel policies in response to shifting security conditions. In the latest instance, Brown University has advised its academic community to reconsider travel plans to several countries in the Middle East as the regional situation develops.The university has recommended that students, faculty and staff defer all Brown-related travel to more than a dozen countries in the region. The guidance was shared in a Tuesday message published through Today@Brown, the university’s internal communication platform.
Advisory issued as security situation evolves
The university stated that the recommendation follows consultations among internal risk and travel offices. The guidance was issued after discussions by Brown’s Global Travel Risk Assessment Committee in consultation with the Office of Global Travel Operations, Risk and Resilience.The message explained that the university is “closely monitoring the evolving security situation that began in Iran,” according to The Brown Daily Herald. Officials said the advisory has been issued as a precaution while regional developments continue.
Countries included in the travel advisory
The recommendation applies to Brown-related travel to a number of countries across the Middle East and nearby regions. As cited by The Brown Daily Herald, the advisory covers travel to:
- Bahrain
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- The West Bank and Gaza
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- The United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
University officials described the measure as a “strong recommendation,” issued “out of an abundance of caution, and in light of the dynamic and uncertain security environment.” The guidance will remain in place until further notice.
Additional requirements for travel to high-risk areas
For students who still plan to travel to high-risk regions for university-related activities, the institution has outlined additional safety requirements.According to The Daily Herald, students must submit a safety plan that will be reviewed by the Global Travel Risk Assessment Committee before they can receive university travel support.The university has also maintained war risk exclusions for travel to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. The report notes that students, faculty and staff travelling to these areas must complete a safety plan reviewed by the committee, obtain approval from their dean or unit head and purchase war risk insurance before departure.In addition, travel to these regions is not covered under the university’s travel abroad accident and sickness insurance programme.
