The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, does not have any known travelers currently in Ukraine, Russia, or Belarus. Due to evacuation advisories, the drawdown of US embassy support, air travel restrictions, and the inability to access funds in these countries, UT is currently not approving travel to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and immediate border areas with these countries. However, travel elsewhere in Europe can continue on a case-by-case basis. Please see our current travel review and approval process here.

We advise travelers to exercise increased caution in Europe, especially in Eastern Europe and the countries bordering Ukraine. We are monitoring the situation in Europe very closely. While we do not currently anticipate escalation/impacts outside of Ukraine, there is the potential for this situation to change with little to no notice. All travelers should closely monitor media reports and sign up for country-specific email updates from International SOS and the US Department of State:

• International SOS (click sign up for email alerts).
• US State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We are also aware of protests around much of Europe due to both the conflict in Ukraine, and because of impacts stemming from that conflict, such as against rising gas and energy prices. As a reminder, you should avoid all protests while you’re abroad since they can turn violent with little to no notice. If you find yourself in an area where a protest is forming, you should remove yourself from the area as soon as you can safely do so.

Please reach out to Shawn Lenker, assistant director of global health and safety, if you have any questions or concerns about travel impacts, at slenker@utk.edu.