International Travel - Important Information

While most foreign travel does not require a license, travel to certain foreign locations may be governed by export control laws. For example, the U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations restrict certain financial transactions with Cuba, Iran, Sudan, North Korea, and Burma. Traveling abroad with certain controlled tangible items, software, technology or information may also require an export license. The Treasury Department has issued a general license that does allow travel to Cuba for some research activities and/or for attendance at an international conference under certain conditions.

Items and Equipment - When taking items abroad (including scientific equipment, computers, cell phones, and GPS units) you need to verify that the items are not export restricted based on your travel destination(s).  For most low-tech, commercially-obtained items, an export license will NOT be required unless you are traveling to or through a comprehensively sanctioned country (i.e., Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan, and North Korea) in which case an export license will almost certainly be required – even for everyday items such as cell phones and laptop computers.

Under the license exception for temporary export (TMP) you can take usual and reasonable kinds and quantities of tools of trade(commodities and software) for use by you or your employees in a lawful enterprise. The tools of trade must remain under your effective control or your employee's (you or your employee must retain physical possession of the item, lock it in hotel safe, or have it guarded).  Encryption commodities and software may be pre-loaded on a laptop, handheld device or other computer or equipment.  All tools of trade may accompany you departing from the US or may be shipped unaccompanied within one month before your departure from the US, or at any time after departure. All commodities and software must, if not consumed or destroyed in the normal course of authorized temporary use abroad, be returned as soon as practicable, but no later than one year after the date of export. No tools of trade may be taken to embargoed countries. 

A current list of embargoed countries is available. For additional information regarding the TMP "Tools of Trade" License Exception, reference 15 CFR Part 740.9(a)(2)(i).

Please review the attached International Travel Checklist. If you respond ‘yes’ to any of the questions, you will need to consult with the Provost and/or OSP; allow sufficient time, at least 30 days, for review and approval.  In the event a license is required, a license application will be submitted to the appropriate government agency.

1.  Do you plan to travel to an embargoed destination?

Yes      No

Note: Certain countries such as Burma, Cuba, Iran, Ivory Coast, Libya, Liberia, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe face increased restrictions. For an up-to-date list of embargoed countries and other restrictions, please visit:www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs 

2.  Will you be taking any information or technology that is not widely available in the public domain, is classified, or is subject to export control regulations? (Including materials in print or electronic versions)

Yes      No

Export controlled materials includes technology, software, and information related to the design, production, testing, maintenance, operation, modification, or use or controlled items or items with military applications. It does not include basic marketing information on function or purpose; information regarding general scientific, mathematical or engineering principles commonly taught in universities; or information that is generally accessible in the public domain.

3.  Are you taking any biological or hazardous materials abroad?

Yes      No

4.  Will you be taking any materials or equipment with you? (Including a laptop computer, software, scientific equipment, etc)

Yes      No

If yes, please see the guidance:  Traveling Out of the Country with Laptops and Other Equipment 

5.  Will you be attending a "closed" conference or meeting?

Yes      No

Note: A closed meeting is not open to all technically qualified members of the public.

6.  If you will be presenting at a conference or meeting, will you be presenting information that is not available in the public domain or fundamental research?

Yes      No

7.  Will you be providing a service or financial assistance to a foreign entity while traveling internationally?

Yes      No

Note: "financial assistance" includes hiring of project personnel. "Services" include providing medical assistance, assisting in data analysis, etc.

8.  Will you receive compensation for your travel expenses or other compensation from a foreign sponsor or government?

Yes      No

9.  Will you be sharing non-commercial encryption software in source code or object code?

Yes      No

10. Do you know or have any reason to believe that the information you will be sharing or the activities you will engage in while traveling will have a military use or will provide a military service?

Yes      No

For example, will the information you carry with you or the discussions you have aide in the design, development, production, stockpiling or use of nuclear explosive devices, chemical or biological weapons, or missiles?