Managing International Travel for Research and University Business
NSPM Directive: NSPM-33 Directive: Agencies should require that research organizations maintain international travel policies for faculty and staff traveling for organization business, teaching, conference attendance, research purposes, or any offers of sponsored travel that would put a person at risk. Such policies should include an organizational record of covered international travel by faculty and staff and, as appropriate, a disclosure and authorization requirement in advance of international travel, security briefings, assistance with electronic device security (smartphones, laptops, etc.), and pre-registration requirements.
Under NSPM-33, federal agencies require research organizations to maintain international travel policies for faculty, staff, and other covered individuals traveling for:
- University business
- Teaching
- Conference attendance
- Research purposes
- Sponsored travel that may pose security risks
These policies should include:
- An organizational record of covered international travel
- Disclosure and authorization requirements, as appropriate, prior to travel
- Security briefings
- Guidance on electronic device security (e.g., laptops, smartphones)
- Pre-registration requirements
Federal Certification and Travel Reporting Requirements
Federal research agencies require covered institutions to:
Foreign Travel Training:
- Implement periodic training on foreign travel security for all covered individuals engaging in international travel, including sponsored travel.
- Ensure all covered individuals take this training at least once every six years, starting within one year after a federal training resource is provided.
Travel Reporting Program:
- Maintain an organizational record of international travel for covered individuals participating in R&D awards.
- Include business, teaching, conference, and research-related travel when a federal agency determines security risks warrant reporting, in accordance with the terms of the award.
UMB International Travel Policies and Procedures
UMB maintains international travel policies for employees, nonemployees, and students traveling for University business and research. Services include:
- Pre-departure security briefings
- Guidance on electronic device security and export controls
- Research security briefings
Individuals traveling internationally for UMB business or with UMB assets are responsible for complying with export control laws and regulations. Depending on the travel destination, hardware, software, or technical data being carried, travel may be subject to federal export control regulations.
The Research Security Manager (RSM) and Export Control Officer (ECO) review international travel for UMB employees, nonemployees, and students to assess potential export control considerations. This includes export licensing requirements for University-owned samples, equipment, software, or technology being transported or shipped abroad.
ORD Partnerships and Resources
The Office of Research & Development (ORD) partners with the UMB International Operations (IO) department and uses the Concur travel system to ensure:
- Covered individuals receive adequate information on export controls and research security prior to travel
- Compliance with all federal and UMB travel policies
For detailed guidance, visit the Global Hub, which includes:
- International travel policies and procedures
- Pre-departure preparation
- International travel FAQs
Business Travel Approval:
All business travel must be appropriately approved before travel begins, following the procedures outlined in: