Operating a motor vehicle abroad can pose significant safety risks to students, faculty, staff, other motorists, and pedestrians. The combination of unfamiliar roads, signage, and road conditions, along with limited knowledge of local traffic laws and regulations, increases the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, driving on the opposite side of the road or in an unfamiliar vehicle can further elevate the risk of injury or collisions.

As a result, faculty, staff, and students are strongly discouraged from driving while abroad. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary for Cornell-related travel.

Undergraduate students are not permitted to operate any type of vehicle while traveling abroad for university-related business or activities.

If driving abroad is absolutely required, individuals must follow the procedures outlined the “Request for Approval of Student Drivers for University Vehicle Use.” Faculty, staff, and students intending to drive abroad must:

1. Anyone seeking approval to operate a vehicle abroad for Cornell-related matters must submit their request at least 30 days prior to departure.
2. Review University Policy 3.2
3. Undergraduate students are not permitted to operate a vehicle while traveling abroad when on university related-business.
4. Supervising faculty or advisors must email risk_mgmt@cornell.edu to request approval for a student (excluding post-docs) to drive a vehicle abroad for university-related business. The request should include a detailed explanation of why driving abroad is necessary.
5. For student (excluding post-docs) drivers the supervising faculty or advisor must email to request approval for a student to operate a vehicle abroad on university related business. The email request must include a detailed explanation why it is necessary for the student to a vehicle abroad.
6. Driver must be 25 years of age or older and have 1-year international driving experience.
7. After receiving approval, Complete the User Registration Form.
8. All drivers (including faculty and staff) must have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and have completed the RMI 2100 Defensive Driving Course in CULearn
9. All drivers must demonstrate knowledge of local driving laws.
10. Certify that both the driver and vehicle are properly licensed in the destination country.
11. Obtain comprehensive insurance coverage (collision and liability insurance).

Note that students are prohibited from driving on Faculty-Led trips; faculty or organizers should arrange transportation with approved vendors.

Please note that the Cornell strictly prohibits students from renting, or operating commercial vehicles such as trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, or off-road vehicles of any kind while abroad for university-related travel.

For additional guidance on driving abroad, please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s resources on Driving and Road Safety Abroad.

For more information contact the Office of Risk Management and Insurance.