International Travel Security

Protect Yourself, Your Research, and Texas State University While Traveling Abroad

International travel creates opportunities for research, collaboration, and academic engagement. It can also expose travelers to cybersecurity threats, theft of devices, phishing attempts, export control concerns, and foreign influence risks.

Texas State University provides guidance and resources to help travelers prepare before departure, stay secure while abroad, and protect university information upon return.

Planning International Travel?

Before traveling internationally, consider the following:

• Research Destination Risks
• Review current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
• Understand local laws and regulations
• Identify cybersecurity and surveillance risks
• Determine whether your destination is a Country of Concern

Evaluate What You Are Taking

• University laptops
• Mobile devices
• Research data
• Export-controlled information
• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• Proprietary or confidential materials

Understand Sponsor Requirements

Certain sponsors, contracts, and grants may require:

• Foreign travel disclosure
• International collaboration disclosure
• Export control review
• Research security review

Quick Travel Security Checklist

Before You Travel

• Register international travel, if required
• Update software and security patches
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Back up important files
• Remove unnecessary sensitive data
• Review export control requirements
• Identify emergency contacts
• Understand local cybersecurity risks

While Traveling

• Keep devices with you at all times
• Use trusted Wi-Fi networks whenever possible
• Use VPN services when appropriate
• Report suspicious contacts or requests
• Protect passwords and authentication tokens
• Avoid connecting unknown devices or media
• Be cautious when discussing sensitive researc

When You Return

• Report lost or compromised devices
• Change passwords if suspicious activity occurred
• Scan devices for malware
• Report unusual requests or interactions
• Consult Research Security if concerns arise

Traveling With University Devices

International travelers should assume that electronic devices may be targeted for theft, inspection, monitoring, or compromise.

Recommended Practices

• Travel with only the information you need
• Limit locally stored sensitive data
• Use encrypted devices
• Store information on approved university services when feasible
• Avoid using public computers
• Avoid charging devices using unknown USB connections
• Sensitive Information

Special precautions may be necessary when traveling with:

• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• Export-controlled data
• Proprietary research information
• Human subjects data
• Confidential agreements
• Protected health information

Contact Research Integrity and Compliance before travel if any of these apply.

Countries of Concern

Certain countries present elevated research security and cybersecurity risks.

Travelers conducting university business involving research collaborations, sponsored research, sensitive technologies, or university-owned devices should seek additional guidance when traveling to:

• People's Republic of China
• Russia
• Iran
• North Korea

Additional restrictions or reviews may apply depending on activities and funding sources.

International Research Collaborations

International collaboration is an important part of research and innovation.

Researchers should ensure:

• Foreign collaborations are appropriately disclosed
• Funding sources are transparent
• Foreign appointments are reported
• Sponsor requirements are satisfied
• Export control regulations are followed

Export Control Considerations

You may need additional review if your travel involves:

• Specialized equipment
• Encryption technology
• Controlled software
• Technical data
• Research prototypes
• International shipping of equipment

Not all international travel requires export control review, but early consultation can prevent compliance issues.

Foreign Influence and Research Security

Be aware of situations involving:

• Undisclosed foreign affiliations
• Foreign talent recruitment programs
• Requests for nonpublic research data
• Requests to establish research activities abroad
• Recruitment efforts targeting students or colleagues

Contact Research Integrity and Compliance if you:

• Are traveling internationally on university business
• Are carrying sensitive research data
• Are collaborating with foreign institutions
• Have export control questions
• Have concerns regarding foreign influence or recruitment efforts