PULLMAN, WA — Washington State University has implemented new restrictions on university-related travel to multiple countries in the Middle East and surrounding region, citing safety and security concerns tied to ongoing conflict.

According to a university announcement released March 12, the decision was made by the university’s Risk Management Executive Committee after determining that travel to certain areas presents what officials described as an “unreasonable threat to safety and security.”

The restriction applies to all faculty, staff, volunteers, and students traveling internationally for university business.

Under the policy, travel tied to Washington State University activities is currently prohibited to countries listed under Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State. The affected locations include Iran, Israel, the West Bank, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Georgia, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

University officials said the restriction will remain in place until the Risk Management Executive Committee determines conditions have changed enough to allow travel again.

Members of the university community who believe travel to one of the restricted areas is necessary may request an exemption. Requests must be submitted in writing at least 60 days before planned travel and include the locations involved, the duration of the trip, the purpose of the travel, and steps that will be taken to manage safety risks.

Those requests will be reviewed by the committee or a related subcommittee, typically within two weeks of submission.

The university said additional information about the policy and waiver process is available through its Compliance and Risk Management office.