Travel
International Travel
UTC is a globally engaged university and encourages UTC faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral fellows to participate actively in the global research community while also complying with federal research security requirements. UTC encourages, supports and facilitates safe, secure and enriching international travel for the UTC community, providing assistance before, during, and after international travel.
Register International Travel
All UTC personnel planning international travel are strongly encouraged to use the Concur travel booking system provided by the University of Tennessee. This includes, but is not limited to, travel funded by UTC. By providing information about travel itineraries, emergency contact information, the purpose of travel, and other pertinent information, UTC travelers gain access to valuable resources and timely assistance, which is especially important should a crisis or incident arise while traveling abroad. In some cases, a traveler may be required to attend a security briefing in advance of their trip.
What Can You Take with You Overseas?
When you travel internationally, items and technology that you take with you are considered exports. There are two license exceptions that cover most of the types of items international travelers commonly take with them. Note that neither of these exceptions apply to ITAR-controlled items; EAR-controlled satellite or space-related equipment, components, or software; or encryption items controlled under ECCN 5E002.
The license exception BAG (15 CFR 7401.14) allows individuals departing the US to take with them as personal baggage personally-owned retail-level encryption items including laptops, cell phones and encryption software in source or object code to all countries except Iran, Syria, Cuba, or North Korea. The encryption items and software must be for their personal use in private or professional activities.
The license exception TMP (15 CFR 740.9) allows those departing from the US on university business to take with them as “tools of the trade” university-owned or controlled retail-level encryption items such as laptops, cell phones, and encryption software in source or object code to all countries except Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Security precautions must be taken to protect against unauthorized release of the technology, such as utilizing password systems and personal firewalls on electronic devices that store technology. The items and software must remain under the exporter’s “effective control” overseas and must be returned to the US within 12 months or be consumed or destroyed abroad.
Please contact The Office of Research Integrity ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns related to what you can take when you travel. Loaner devices may be available given sufficient advance notice.
Other Considerations
In addition to Export Control concerns, there are also matters of security and safety when travelling to sensitive countries.
The Department of State Travel Alerts and Warnings page has updated and useful country-specific information, including extreme risk countries and regions. These travel advisories are frequently updated and need to be checked in close proximity to your travel. When checking travel advisories, it is best practice take note of the embassy location and contact in case of emergency and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
UTC has a contract with International SOS, an emergency assistance service. Visit their site for more information, including a mobile app. You will be prompted to create a login—contact Faith Garner for UTC’s Membership ID number.
The Airheart website includes timely, country-specific information about COVID-related travel policies that are applicable to travelers from the U.S. based on their vaccination status.