What do I need to know before traveling with Duo?

Owned by Todd Haddaway
Last updated: Mar 21, 2024
2 min read



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Plan Ahead

Duo offers multiple options to meet your needs when traveling. You may be able to use your regular Duo two-factor option if you need to log in to a two-factor protected system while traveling. Or you may, however, need to use alternative options depending on your preferred option and your travel plans.

  • Plan options. Before your trip, plan which Duo options you will use and enroll in them if needed. See:

  • Enroll additional devices. If possible, enroll two devices in case your primary device is unavailable (lost, stolen, not available, dead battery, malfunctioning, etc.).

  • Changing SIM cards? Make sure to enroll the new number to you list of devices.

  • Hardware Token? If you plan to travel without a smartphone or tablet, consider taking a hardware token. To request a token, submit a support request at my.umbc.edu/help.

  • International travel? Restrictions apply for some destinations. See Travel to Embargoed Countries below.

Consider Using Passcodes

  • Use the Duo Mobile app to generate passcodes on a smartphone or tablet. The app can generate passcodes you can use to login when you do not have a cellular or WiFi connection.

Add a Device for Traveling

If you purchase a phone for use abroad or take a loaner, you can enroll that device in Duo and use it for two-factor authentication when traveling.

  • Enroll the device ahead of time. You'll need to authenticate using whatever Duo option you chose when you enrolled the new device, so it is best to do that before your trip if at all possible.

  • Use what works. If the device you will use while traveling is a basic, non-smart phone, you can authenticate using a phone call to it or passcodes sent via text message. You can install the Duo Mobile app on a tablet without a phone number. See Traveling With Two-Factor Authorization (DUO) or Options for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Travel to Embargoed Countries

The Duo app and hardware tokens are subject to export control regulations. According to federal export control regulations, the Duo app and Duo hardware tokens may not be transported or sent to embargoed nations identified by the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The following nations are on the embargoed list as of August, 2023:

  • Cuba (CU)

  • North Korea (KP)

  • Iran (IR)

  • Sudan (SD)

  • Syria (SY)

  • Crimea region (43)

  • Donetsk region (14)

  • Luhansk region (09)

  • Sevastopol region (40)

If you are traveling to any of those countries, delete or uninstall the Duo app from any devices you will take with you and do not take Duo hardware tokens with you.

Note: Duo authentications are not available within embargoed countries.  If you plan on traveling to one of these locations, please contact DoIT ahead of your travels.





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