Note: For information on traveling with Mason laptops and other Mason equipment, please visit the Forms section of this website.
When traveling abroad, there are three basic questions that university personnel need to consider to determine if export controls apply to their travel:
1. Where are you going?
Travel to most countries, with the exception of sanctioned destinations, usually does not require an export license. Exceptions include:
When traveling abroad it is always a good idea to contact the appropriate US Embassy or Consulate before you depart to let them know where you will be going. For additional information, please view a number of links available in the Federal Government Resources section.
2. What are you taking with you?
The Department of State Diplomatic Security Office offers useful advice on “All that you should leave behind”, as well as country-specific briefing materials on the Department of State’s international travel page. These materials provide more information about various countries’ import (customs) restrictions.
- maintaining effective control over the item while overseas, (the item must stay in the traveler’s personal possession or in a secure place, such as a hotel safe),
- returning the item to the U.S. (or destroying it) within a year of its export,
- not taking it to embargoed destinations, and (iv) keeping records that memorialize your use of this license exception.
3. What will you be doing and with whom will you interact?
It is important to ensure that you do not accidentally export controlled information to a foreign country or partake in any type of transaction, assistance, or benefit to a sanctioned or blocked entity. The following are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your travel activities: