Booking UCSF affiliated international travel
While not required, it is strongly recommended that UCSF faculty and staff book any UCSF affiliated international travel via Connexxus. In the event travel is booked outside of Connexxus, it is recommended you register your international travel with UCOP Travel Registration.
Materials carried out of the United States
Export controls affect whether items can be taken out of the country and what documentation is required to accompany them. Be aware of how your destination and intended activities may be affected by export controls.
Before traveling, remember:
- Everything that crosses the border is an export
- Export control applies to tangible items, software and technology (know-how)
- Material doesn’t have to be dangerous to be controlled
- Interactions or sharing of controlled information with certain international entities and persons are restricted
Screen institutions for restricted parties
Before traveling, screen any institutions and individuals you’re visiting for Restricted Parties. Visual Compliance is the system utilized by UCSF to conduct such screenings. If an institution or individual is identified as a restricted party, contact UCSF Export Control.
Notify UCSF Export Control of planned travel to OFAC-sanctioned countries
In general, travel to an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) comprehensively-sanctioned country is prohibited. The most comprehensive sanctions involve Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria and specific regions of Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk). For the most recent list of sanctions refer to OFAC's Sanctions Programs and Country Information.
Contact the UCSF Export Control Office ahead of any such planned foreign travel.
- Visit Travel Risk Resources for the UCSF Community
- Contact Export Control to discuss entities visited or items you wish to take with you
Shipping research-related items
Materials and specialized equipment should be shipped in advance of travel instead of hand-carrying them. The documentation expectations for shipped goods are generally clear, increasing the likelihood your items will arrive on-time. Hand-carrying items increases the likelihood of enhanced inspection by customs officials both domestically and abroad, potentially disrupting travel.
NOTE: Do not take any of the following without first obtaining specific advice from UCSF Export Control Office as these items may require an export license:
- Data or information received under an obligation of confidentiality.
- Computer software with restrictions on export to or access by foreign nationals.
- Devices or equipment with restrictions on export to or access by foreign nationals.
- Devices, systems, or software that was specifically designed or modified for military or space applications.
Prepare electronic devices
Export-controlled material may not be taken out of the US. Before traveling, remove any export-controlled technical data from your laptop and cell phone. Review the UCOP IT Guidance associated with travel with electronic devices.
Note: US Customs officials are authorized to search or retain electronic devices, even without probable cause, to look for violation of export control regulations as well as other laws and regulations. Do cooperate fully with Customs and Border Protection. Give them your device password when asked.
Understand what international activities fall under Export Control
When traveling abroad, use caution before providing services or transferring technology, which may include:
- Accepting awards
- Being a keynote speaker
- Troubleshooting equipment
- Speaking at industry seminars
- Detailed responses to Q&A at conferences
- Teaching abroad
- Rendering nuclear assistance
- Training on equipment
If you anticipate engaging in any of these activities, contact [email protected].