International Travel and Export Controls

What type of equipment, data, or software might you take?

The U.S. government has export restrictions on certain items. Consult with Export Control staff at export@ilstu.edu to determine if your equipment, materials, data, or software is subject to these restrictions. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will obtain licenses, exceptions, or assist with other requirements to facilitate your travels if required. Traveling with a “clean” laptop is recommended. A “clean” laptop can be obtained by contacting your local IT support.

You may qualify for a Temporary Export License Exception for University-owned equipment and software (“tools of trade”) and/or a Baggage Export License Exception for personally-owned equipment that you plan to take with you. These exceptions are described on the Licensing Exclusions and Exceptions webpage. The appropriate form, or forms, will need to be completed prior to your travel.

What type of information do you plan to access while abroad?

If you are accessing export-controlled data remotely you may need an export license or license exception. Accessing data from certain countries is prohibited. Even viewing export-controlled data via the university VPN is an export and requires documentation.

Where are you traveling?

Depending on your destination(s), authorization from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) may be required. Travel to an embargoed/sanctioned country may require prior authorization in the form of a license.

With whom will you collaborate, associate, or do business during your travel?

Prior to travel, to avoid collaborating with a prohibited party, foreign parties should be screened using the Restricted Party Screening by Research and Sponsored Programs. You will need to email the names of your collaborators or associates to export@ilstu.edu so a screening can be conducted.

How will you safeguard research?

The research that occurs at the university is innovative and often of high value and needs protection even if it is not subject to export control restrictions. Take steps to protect your information, access to university systems, and report to your department administration any concerns or peculiarities that emerge. Steps to secure your research include:

• limiting what you take abroad;
• keeping information in your possession or locked in a secure location;
• using a “clean” laptop – with minimal information;
• using the university VPN if you need to access data;
• encrypting your device; and
• screening collaborators in advance.