Heightened Border Security and Device Inspections: What University Travelers Need to Know

As global security protocols continue to evolve, travelers, especially those crossing international borders, are seeing a noticeable increase in border screenings, device inspections, and customs-related delays. Whether traveling for research, conferences, recruitment, or academic exchange, it鈥檚 important to be prepared for enhanced scrutiny at airports and ports of entry.

Here鈥檚 what you need to know before your next trip:

1. Be Prepared for Electronic Device Inspections

Customs and border agents in many countries, including the United States, are increasingly inspecting laptops, tablets, phones, and USB drives. In some cases, agents may request passwords to unlock devices or review stored data.

What you should do:

• Review the IT Security While Traveling webpage here
  • Make sure to register your intent to work while traveling with IT via the form available on the IT Security While Traveling webpage above
• Minimize data exposure: Travel with the minimum devices, data, and files needed for your trip. Consider using a loaner laptop or device with limited or no sensitive information.
• Use cloud storage: Store files on secure platforms provided by IT, instead of your computer hard drive or USB storage devices to reduce the risk of data compromise.
• Back up your data: Always back up devices before you travel internationally in case of loss, confiscation, or damage.
• Encrypt devices: Where allowable, encrypt your device and ensure screen-locks and password protections are active.

2. Expect Longer Wait Times and More Questions

Some countries are screening travelers more closely based on travel history, profession, or visa category. Researchers in sensitive fields or those traveling to/from certain regions may face more in-depth questioning.

Be ready to explain:

• The purpose of your trip (conference, fieldwork, partnership meetings).
• Who is funding the travel (institutional grant, federal funding, etc.).
• What equipment or materials you鈥檙e carrying.

Carry a travel letter from your university or department if appropriate, especially when traveling with research samples, equipment, or academic materials.

3. Avoid Transporting Export-Controlled or Sensitive Materials

Certain items, including specialized research tools, chemicals, biological materials, or software, may be restricted or prohibited in international travel.

Best practices:

• Check with the university鈥檚 Research Compliance Office to ensure compliance with Federal export control regulations before traveling with any research-related items or data. See the Export Control website for more information and resources.
• Review the travel country鈥檚 customs and import restrictions in advance. The Office of Global Opportunities provides International SOS Assistance App and MyTrips to all 花季传媒 students, staff, and faculty traveling on university business. Enrolled travelers receive key health, safety, and security information for both domestic and international travel. For more information see here.
• Never transport data or materials that require a license or that you are not authorized to carry.

4. Understand the Risks When Entering Other Countries

Some nations may also inspect digital devices at their borders, and laws regarding encryption, academic material, or political content may differ from U.S. norms.

If traveling abroad:

• Review the destination鈥檚 border and security policies and remember, MyTrips app can assist you in this process as well as contacting the IT Security Office.
• Avoid carrying politically sensitive documents or messages.

5. Protect University and Personal Data

With increased risk of device inspection or seizure, it's vital to prevent unauthorized access to university systems and data or confidential student/faculty data.

Consider:

• Temporarily removing saved passwords from browsers or apps.
• Signing out of email, cloud storage, and VPNs when not in use.
• Remember, when traveling for work or with your work device(s) there are additional risks related to the theft of devices and data. Additionally, connecting from unfamiliar locations and networks imposes a new threat landscape. Please consider where you are traveling, what devices you are taking, and what data you have access to through those devices during your trip.

6. Plan Ahead - and Ask Questions

If you are unsure whether your travel, materials, or devices raise concerns, don鈥檛 guess鈥攔each out.

Contact your:

• IT Security Office for device security best practices
• Research Office - Export Control for research-related travel guidance
• Sign up for International SOS and MyTrips App for travel alert apps and country-specific risk information
• Review the Health and Safety Information for university faculty/staff that you need to know and address before you travel! Make sure you enroll in international health care coverage before you travel as your current health insurance will not cover you while traveling abroad. For questions related to international health insurance coverage, contact the Employee Service Center.

Final Tips Before You Travel

• Travel light鈥攑hysically and digitally
• Charge devices fully and update software before departure
• Keep devices with you (not in checked bags)
• Carry your passport, visa, and travel documents in printed and digital form, just in case
• Notify your supervisor or follow your departmental requirements for international travel and your emergency contact of your itinerary

International travel is a key part of the university鈥檚 academic mission. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate changing security environments while protecting yourself and university assets.