International Travel

Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder encourages global engagement and collaboration to cultivate innovation and disseminate knowledge; however, all individuals planning international travel need to consider export control and security-related risks prior to departure. Failure to uphold U.S. laws while traveling abroad can lead to civil and criminal liabilities, as well as violations of university policies.Ìý

Submit an International Hand-Carry Form Before You Travel AbroadÌý

Reviews may require 3-4 weeks to complete. Submit early to ensure travel is not impacted.Ìý

Approvals are valid up to 6 monthsprior to travel.ÌýÌý

All devices, equipment, software, and research data are subject to U.S. Export Control regulations.Ìý

To ensure compliance with applicable requirements, submit an to ORSEC prior to international travel.

The following items are examples of items likely to have restrictions due to U.S. Export Control regulations and require ORSEC compliance guidelines and approval prior to taking them abroad:

  • Devices, equipment, or software received with restrictions on where the item can be exported (foreign country) or who can use it (foreign persons)
  • Devices, systems, or software that were specifically designed or modified for military or space applications
  • Hardware developed in support of sponsored research
  • Research data or information received under an obligation of confidentiality or otherwise restricted from unauthorized dissemination
  • Unpublished research data when the project involves one or more of the following:
    • Sponsor-imposed publication or participation restrictions
    • Technology Control Plan (TCP)
    • General Guidance Memo (GGM)Ìý
  • Personally-owned devices, equipment, and softwareÌý
    • These items may still be subject to U.S. Export Control regulations, and you are solely responsible for compliance.
    • Personally-owned devices should not be used for conducting export controlled research or university business.
  • Business and financial information
  • Student data
  • Personally Identifiable Information (PII) when unrelated to export controlled research

Other Export Control & Security Considerations for International Travel

  • Restricted & Banned Travel Destinations: University affiliated international travel to or through identified will require and may require a license from the Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC). Be aware that a travel ban may be in effect for some destinations.Ìý
  • Hand-Carrying Items Abroad: All items that are hand-carried or shipped abroad must be approved by ORSEC prior to leaving the country. See Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder International Shipping and Hand-Carry Policy.Ìý
  • Export Control Licenses: Some items may require an export license prior to international travel, which may range from weeks to over a year to obtain. Most commercial laptops/phones/devices do not require an export license to non-sanctioned countries.Ìý
  • Remove Controlled Data & Unpublished Research Data from Devices: Remove any controlled technical data, controlled technology, or unpublished research data from your electronic devices. U.S. Customs and foreign customs agents may be authorized to search and retain electronic devices without probable cause.Ìý
  • Remote Data Access: Accessing controlled technical data or technology remotely from a foreign country can also be an export violation. Notify ORSEC if remote access to controlled data or technology is needed while abroad.Ìý
  • Encryption Awareness: Encryption is considered best practice for data security; however, some countries restrict the import of encrypted devices, and U.S. regulations prohibit the export of an encrypted device to embargoed countries. ORSEC recommends using when traveling abroad.Ìý

Tips for Attending or Presenting at International Conferences

  • Be Selective When Sharing: Do not disclose controlled information in presentations, Q&A sessions, discussions or conversations. Providing any information about the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, assembly, testing, repair, maintenance, modification, operation, demilitarization, destruction, processing, or use of defense articles is an export control violation.Ìý
  • Stay Within the Realm of Published Material: Avoid presenting or discussing unpublished material, if possible.Ìý
  • Portable Media Can Be Risky: Be cautious of any thumb/USB flash drives (or other portable media) you may receive at a conference. Malware can be introduced into your devices through portable media.Ìý

NSF SECURE International Travel Checklists

Designed for all international travelers. Focuses on cybersecurity and other considerations for protecting research data, intellectual property, and personal information.Ìý

Designed for high-risk international travelers. Focuses on cybersecurity and operational considerations for protecting research data, intellectual property, devices, and security credentials.Ìý

Provides additional context to the checklist content. Includes travel case studies and additional resources.

International Travel for Sponsored Projects

Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) International Travel

Many sponsors require pre-approval for international travel. Visit OCG's International Travel page for guidance.

Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) Fly America Act

Ensure all travel complies with the , which requires the use of U.S. carriers for air travel when possible.

Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) “Can I Charge This Travel?â€

Many sponsors have specific requirements governing what can and cannot be charged to an award when on travel.

Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØInternational Travel Support

The Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØSystem Risk Management Office offers resources to mitigate risk posed by international travel, including travel insurance and emergency contacts, are available to Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØemployees.

The Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØSystem Procurement Service Center (PSC) has several resources and policies regarding University affiliated travel. Also see page.

International Travel for Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Students

The Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Office of Global Affairs provides travel resources for students interested in traveling abroad. See the Education Abroad Safety & Security page for specific resources on security.

U.S. Department of State Travel Resources

The U.S. Department of State reports risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens in a foreign destination.

The U.S. Department of State can assist in the event of an emergency abroad (lost passport, victim of crime, arrest or detention, natural disaster, terrorism).

Safety tips for students studying abroad.

Tips and information for U.S. citizens working outside of the United States.ÌýEnsure you have the appropriate visa and permissions to work. Protect yourself and your business information when working abroad.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.

This U.S. Department of State guide makes it easy for you to find important safety travel basics as you plan for your trip.

Other International Travel Resources

ORSEC has prepared a list of Dos & Don'ts for International Travel.

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling abroad, get the information you need to smoothly navigate your return back into the U.S. If you are a visitor to the U.S. coming to work, study, conduct business or immigrate, get the Information you need to smoothly navigate the process and procedures to enter the U.S.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) outlines best practices for academics traveling overseas.

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