Rice University strongly values academic freedom, global collaboration, and open research. However, U.S. federal agencies caution that adversarial foreign entities may attempt to exploit this openness to compromise research integrity and intellectual property.

To help protect your research and ensure compliance, the Office of Research Security and Export Controls (RSEC) provides this checklist for all university-related foreign travel.

Travel Registration

Review the Regional Travel Advisory

1. Search the US Department of State (DOS) travel advisory for your region of travel.

2. Search the Corruption Perception Index to reveal the corruption level score associated with your country of travel.

If your country of destination is listed as a:

• DOS Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or
• DOS Level 4 (Do Not Travel) or
• If the country scores 60 or below on the CPI (designated as Elevated Risk for Corruption),

You will need to register with International SOS to ensure your safety. To register for International SOS, You will need a Rice Membership number to start the process. 11BYSG000011

Review Policy 107, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

If the country you're visiting scores 60 or below on the Corruption Perception Index, you will need to review Rice Policy 107 Anti-Bribery and Corruption. Faculty and staff who travel to these countries at least once per year must provide a certificate that they comply with the Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy.

Review Rice Policy 107 for information related to ensuring compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and other domestic and foreign anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations.

Review Travel Health Notices

Search the CDC Travel Health Notices for health-related travel advisories, including recommended vaccinations and precautions.

Register International Travel

Report your travel using the Rice University Travel Registry

Contact Federal Funding Program Officer

If you are supported by a federal grant, make sure to check with the program officer for any approval or reporting requirements.

Consider signing up for US Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Enrolling in STEP helps the US Embassy near your travel location contact you in case of emergencies.

Be aware of Sanctions and Embargoes

Travel to, or through, sanctioned or embargoed countries (Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine) may be prohibited and must be reported to the Office of Research Security and Export Controls (RSEC) by submitting a request in the RSEC Intake.

Travel Preparation

Electronic Devices

If you plan to travel internationally with a Rice-issued laptop, consider checking out a loaner from TS&S. Requests for a loaner can be made here.

Install the Rice VPN on all devices you plan to take with you, before leaving the U.S.

Physical Items or Data

If you are taking any research-related items or data on your trip, submit a request for an Export Controls Assessment via the RSEC Intake.

If you are on a Technology Control Plan (TCP), work with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), or have publication restrictions associated with a grant, you must request an Export Controls Assessment via the RSEC Intake.

Pre-Travel Briefing

After you have registered your travel in the Rice Travel Registry, you will receive an email with information about how to join a Pre-Travel Briefing. If you do not receive an email with this information after registering your travel, submit a request for a Pre-Travel Briefing via the RSEC Intake.

Save, Print, and Carry

Copies of your passport, driver’s license, and Crisis24 information.

Rice’s Crisis24 hotline number for 24/7/365 assistance: +1-443-926-0533

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories

Visit the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory webpage to view the latest travel advisories for your destination. Access the “Full Travel Advisory” for your destination and read the " Travel Guidance.

Post-Travel

Post-Travel Briefing

Upon your return, promptly request a Post-Travel Briefing via RSEC Intake. Be sure to report any suspicious activity, lost or misplaced items, or compromised data.

If you have traveled to or had a layover in a sanctioned or embargoed country (Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Syria, Belarus, or Ukraine), you must attend a Post-Travel Briefing.

If you have traveled to or had a layover in a foreign country of concern (Russia, Iran, China, North Korea, Hong Kong, Macau), we highly encourage a Post-Travel Briefing.

Posted 11/30/2023