Know what to expect when approving multi-factor authentication requests while traveling, and why sign-in may be blocked in some countries.
Detailed Information
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) works in most countries around the world. In general, you can approve sign-in requests while outside the United States using either Duo or Microsoft Entra.
INFO: Using a virtual private network (VPN) or changing networks does not bypass these restrictions. Duo and Microsoft must comply with U.S. federal regulations regardless of how you connect.
Duo
Duo access is blocked in countries and regions subject to restrictions from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These restrictions are required by U.S. law and cannot be overridden by the University.
If you cannot complete Duo authentication while abroad, your current location may be included on the OFAC restrictions list.
Microsoft Entra
The University of Maine System has not configured a policy that blocks Microsoft Entra sign-in by country.
Microsoft does not offer its online services in certain countries subject to U.S. sanctions, so access from those locations may fail even though the University has not set its own restriction.
Additional resources
Environment
- Duo-protected University systems and services
- Microsoft Entra ID sign-in