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International Travel

Whenever you travel to foreign destinations, be aware that the custom agents of foreign countries and the U.S. may search and retain your items. Laptops, flash drives, cell phones, and equipment are subject to seizure by foreign and US government officials. Additionally, while in a foreign country, individuals may seek to steal your information or materials. Your hotel room may be searched without you knowing that such actions occurred.  Therefore, as an UTMB employee, you must abide by UTMB policy any time you travel internationally as set forth below. Please review the FBI publication, Safety and Security for the Business Traveling Abroad, https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/business-travel-brochure.pdf/view. for additional guidance.

Policy

If you are on personal leave, do not take UTMB-owned equipment, materials or data without first obtaining written permission from the Export Control Officer (ECO) and your department chair.

If you are on official business leave, do not take UTMB-owned equipment, materials or data without first obtaining written permission from the Export Control Officer (ECO).

As a general rule, you should not take with you ANY of the following to a foreign country without first obtaining written permission from the ECO:

  • Data or analyses that result from a project for which there are contractual constraints on the dissemination of the research results.
  • Computer software received with restrictions on export to or on access by foreign nationals.
  • Devices, materials, or equipment received with restrictions on export to or on access by foreign nationals.
  • Devices, systems or software that was specifically designed or modified for military or space applications.
  • Classified information.

If you are traveling internationally:

  • Take a clean laptop & flash drives.
  • Delete any other information or data on your devices.
  • If you are taking UTMB owned items, contact the ECO for a review of the items prior to taking the items.
  • Remember, while you are in the foreign country, U.S. export rules still apply to your actions. Be mindful.