For members of the campus community, a trip to a foreign country presents unique data security challenges. The nature of international travel requires you to use your device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) in various unfamiliar places that may expose your data and device to malicious people and software. Explore the Information Security Office and Export Control pages for tips on how to protect your devices and data while abroad.
Employees, faculty, and students traveling more than 100 miles from their home campus on official University business or for activities sponsored and supervised by the University are covered 24 hours a day, worldwide, for a variety of perils.
If you are planning any university-related international travel, we want to be sure you are aware of current campus travel guidelines, requirements, and resources. Planning as early as possible will set you up for a successful trip. Here are 6 things you need to know and do:
More information about the UC Travel Insurance Program can be found on the UCOP Travel Risk and Insurance page.
The Guidelines and Requirements for International Travel website has information about immigration restrictions, US Department of State travel advisories, U.S. Export and Sanctions Regulations, required approvals for Study Abroad and International Group Student Travel and more.
Certain destinations carry extra risks and may require pre-approval by the department’s dean and the Vice Provost for Academic Planning through the Essential Travel Request Approval process
Risk Services offers travel security reviews, called Know Before You Go Briefings
Contactrisk@berkeley.eduas early as possible to ensure your scheduled briefing lands at least 10 days before your departure from the US.
Registering your trip provides you with travel insurance, 24/7 emergency travel assistance, and information about risks to be aware of, specific to your itinerary. Trip registration protects you – and it’s required for international university-related travel.
If you book your travel through ConnexUC, you’re automatically registered!
If you book a different way, be sure to register manually via UC Away
To learn more about the UC International Travel Risk Management Assistance services provided click the link here: UC travel insurance website
When you register your trip, you’ll get a Travel Insurance Card with the contact information for AXA Global Travel Assistance via email. These services are insured by Chubb. They work with Crisis24 to help you with an emergency evacuation, emergency medical care request, or other medical/security concernswhile you’re abroad.
You can also receive real time push notices of threats and disruptions in your area on the Crisis24 mobile appUse it if you need help!
Also make sure to notify the UC Berkeley Office of Risk Services (510-289-8282 or risk@berkeley.edu) to help facilitate your emergency assistance request.
Remember, travel insurance and travel assistance are why you register!
Bring loaner devices if you can. Berkeley IT generally recommends against bringing your primary work computer and smartphone when traveling internationally, especially to certain destinations. Please see our security tips for international travel. Your local Departmental IT or IT Client Services can also assist.
Export control restrictions may apply. If you plan to take University equipment, data, or technology abroad, please consult the Export Control: International Travel guide well in advance. Your destination and the items you carry may require a federal license, or be subject to specific restrictions.
Restricted party screening. Rules against collaborating with or providing support to restricted, denied, or debarred parties in violation of United States Law are serious. Be sure to screen your international hosts and collaborators via Visual Compliance to make sure you know the restrictions. And contact Research Security if there are plans to enter into any agreements with an entity in a country of concern
If your trip involves field research, you should complete field research training relevant to your activities and site, and prepare a written field safety plan.
See the EH&S Field Researchwebpage and UC Field Safety Leadership Training Library for more information.
If so, you should meet with a Berkeley International Office (BIO) advisor and/or visit this immigration pagefor the latest information related to international travel.
BIO continues to recommend that international students and visiting researchers exercise caution when considering university-related or personal international travel. U.S. immigration policy remains unpredictable and subject to rapid change.
Campus Resources for International Travel offers information about reservations/reimbursements, travel policies, field research, risk services, and cybersecurity. You may also find the resource Strategies to Support Safe & Inclusive Off Campus Research helpful.
Confirm that your Emergency Contact Information is correct in UCPath
Share the following with your family/guardians/friends:
Your arrival instructions and travel itinerary so they can track your flight and know if it is delayed or canceled. Communicate flight changes and confirm your arrival.
Develop a communication plan with your close contacts:
How frequently should they expect to hear from you?
When and how is the best way and time to connect (Zoom, Whatsapp, FaceTime, text, email)?
After arrival, let them know how they can reach a local contact in case they need to reach you urgently.
Field research safety is a top priority at Berkeley. The UC Office of the President's Field Research Safety Center of Excellence offers field research safety resources. EHS also provides resources to help researchers meet the National Science Foundation's safety and inclusivity requirements for off-campus and off-site research.
Follow the U.S. State Department guidelines to prepare for unexpected events abroad:
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety and security messages and make it easier for the US Government to locate and assist you in an emergency.
Keep the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with you.
See the Traveler’s Checklist for more information.
