International Travel

When traveling abroad, please inform the Export Control Office ahead of time for a clearance and an export compliance check.

It is essential to ensure that all electronic devices and equipment you carry on your travel are secure. This includes a clean laptop (not your personal one, unless you have the BU IT Help Desk swipe it for removal of any potential encryption software or programs installed unbeknownst to you). This is standard procedure prior to traveling abroad. Before you leave, files on your device should be transferred to a hard drive that remains in the US, so upon your return you can add the files back to your laptop.

Travel or transmissions to destinations outside the US can also trigger the applicability of export control regulations. A license may be required depending on which items are taken, which countries are visited, or whether controlled services are provided abroad. BU faculty, researchers, students, and staff should review the International Travel Risk Policy and comply with its requirements.

Travel for International Team Members

Visit the Global Programs: International Students & Scholars Office to find more information about travel and visas for non-US residents.

Learn more

Laptops, cellphones, GPS, other electronic devices, and software contain encryption and may be controlled for US export purposes. Most consumer electronics items contain a low level encryption and can be taken out of the US without an export license. It may be possible to apply a license exception for items taken out of the US on a temporary basis. If you are taking a laptop, cellphone, or GPS overseas, check with the manufacturer of the device and obtain the ECCN (export control classification number) to determine the level of encryption and controls.

When taking equipment or instruments to a research site abroad, it is highly advisable to carry a commercial invoice indicating what is being hand-carried in luggage, and applying for a carnet to avoid paying import duties or other charges abroad. If planning to attend a conference in an embargoed destination, a license may be required by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Contact the Export Control Office well in advance of any planned travel to help define the requirements for the particular trip.