Guide: International Travel with Technology

Taking time to plan and prepare your computer and other electronic devices before you travel internationally can prevent problems and aggravation.

In this guide

Need help?

If you are the victim of a security incident, get in touch with the ITS Service Desk as soon as possible. They will help to address the situation.

Potential risks

Inadvertently creating risk by having certain types of data on your devices.
Border agents searching or seizing your devices and asking that you provide access. Note that this can include U.S. Customs and Border Protections searching or seizing your devices upon re-entry to the United States, even if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Government entities checking your devices and accessing protected information.
Local authorities or others monitoring your online activity, social media, or device content.
Your device getting infected with malware, which could infect campus networks when you return.
Lost time and hassle in travelling and returning home.

Promptly report any incidents that involve security breaches, loss, or theft of UCSC-related computing devices. Also contact your supervisor, and contact ITS at 831-459-4357.
Contact local authorities to report the loss or theft.
Change the passwords for all your devices and personal services.