NIH Security Awareness for Foreign Travel | FIC

In response to HHS requirements, NIH has implemented security procedures regarding foreign travel by NIH personnel (employees, contractors, fellows, etc.), including the requirement that a foreign travel briefing be conducted and security information provided for the personnel traveling to review prior to the start of foreign travel. As part of the travel authorization process, travelers will receive an email with a link to eVoucher where they must complete and certify the security briefing for foreign travel. Depending on the destination, current events or security concerns, the NIH security team might reach out to schedule a virtual or in-person country-specific security awareness briefing.

NIH personnel (or affiliated persons traveling for the NIH), may have access to critical U.S. government information. NIH personnel must understand their responsibilities to protect the information, and must be aware of security vulnerabilities associated with foreign travel, no matter the country or region they travel to.

In addition, travel to foreign countries requires additional training to meet State Department requirements.

Prior to departure:

• Complete required State Department security training(s).
• Read guidance for traveling overseas with mobile phones, laptops, PDAs and other electronic devices from the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC).
• Review Current Travel Warnings and country specific information provided by the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Optionally:

• Enroll in the State Department's Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service to receive travel alerts and warnings, and to register your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Find out how to get help in an emergency from the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs. You can also contact Overseas Citizens Services by phone from the U.S. and Canada 1-888-407-4747; and from overseas +1 202-501-4444.
• Learn more about foreign intelligence threats by viewing NCSC videos on travel awareness, public wi-fi threats and hotel business center social media deception.