You have your flight reservations, hotel is booked, and you have even updated the international calling feature on your cell phone plan. What is left to do? Surprisingly, you may need to consider whether or not you can take your laptop, iPad, smartphone or other electronic device? You also need to review the information you are taking (regardless of its format)? Do the “tools of trade” that you will be using in your field research appear on the CCL or USML? Have you checked to make sure that the individual(s) and/or entity(ies), that you are meeting with, or any vessel that you may be using, do not appear on a denied/restricted party list?
Often, the devices we carry when we travel are for our convenience. However, most of these devices have some form of encryption technology. In most cases there is not a problem in traveling with such devices. But, for some countries you may have to have an export license or export license exception. Other countries, such as Pakistan, India, and China, have either severely regulated or banned encryption technology. If all we need our laptop for is to check email, taking a “clean” device or using the hotel’s business center may be the smarter option. Loaner cellphones may also be another option to consider.
