Rice University maintains an unwavering stance on the importance of academic freedom, transparency, protection of intellectual capital, and international scientific collaboration. The Rice University ecosystem is enhanced and strengthened when people from different parts of the world come together to discuss ideas and generate innovation. The exceptional contributions of foreign collaborators to Rice University teaching and research are indisputable. However, as highlighted by the United States Intelligence Community and Federal Funding Agencies adversarial foreign governments have made a concerted effort to take advantage of such openness to advance their social and economic agendas and have threatened the integrity and academic competitiveness of U.S. research and innovation.

Rice University’s Office of Research Security is providing this Travel To-Do List to assist administrators, faculty, and staff when conducting universally-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 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 Embargoes

Travel through embargoed countries (Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine) may be prohibited. Consult with the Rice Office of Research Integrity to determine specific restrictions.

Travel Preparation

Electronic Devices

If you are taking an electronic device, consider out a sanitized laptop provided by Rice OIT
(POC – CISO Marc Scarborough

If you are taking an electronic device with sensitive, confidential, or research data from DoD, consider obtaining a temporary export-controlled license provided by Rice Office of Research Integrity
(POC - Swapna Hegde, Export Controls Research Analyst)

Please click here to submit a request for a sanitized laptop for international travel: https://oit.rice.edu/form/travel-laptop-program.

Physical Items and Research Information

All items you take are an export, including your research data. Contact the Office of Research Integrity for a Temporary Export Letter or License to comply with export control laws.

Travel Briefings

Research security program will provide a travel briefing after you file your Travel Registry report if traveling to Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran (countries of concern). (POC – Tam Dao, AVP for Research Security)

An export controls research analyst will provide you with a travel briefing following your travel registration.

Save, Print, or Carry

Consider following the DOS “Assistance for U.S. Citizens” for your destination found under the “Embassies and Consulates” section of your destination

Make copies of passport, driver’s license, and ISOS insurance card

Post-Travel

Post-Travel

Upon your return, report any suspicious activity or any lost or misplaced Rice University materials to Rice University research security program
(POC – Tam Dao, AVP for Research Security)

Posted 11/30/2023