Important Advisory - US Travel Security Protocols for Researchers
The Office of Research Services wishes to advise all members of the Lakehead University research community regarding essential security protocols when traveling to the United States for research purposes, conferences, or academic activities.
Global Affairs Canada has established specific guidance and resources that all researchers should be aware of prior to undertaking travel to the United States. These protocols have been developed to ensure the safety, security, and successful completion of international research activities.
CAUT TRAVEL ADVISORY UPDATE
The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has recently issued an important supplement to their advisory on travel to the United States. CAUT strongly recommends that academics review options for remote attendance and travel only if necessary. They advise particular caution for:
Researchers whose work could be perceived as being at odds with current US administration positions
Those who have expressed negative opinions about the US administration or its policies
Citizens or residents of countries with diplomatic tensions with the US
Travelers with passport stamps from certain countries
Transgender travelers or those whose documents indicate a sex other than their sex assigned at birth
For the full CAUT advisory, please visit the CAUT News Article
Key Travel Security Protocols:
Review the official Travel Advice Page for the United States: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
Note emergency contact information for Canadian Citizen Services in the US: 1-844-880-6519
Additional emergency contacts include:
Toll-free: 1-888-949-9993
Collect calls: +1 613-996-8885
Text message: +1 613-686-3658
WhatsApp: +1 613-909-8881
Email: sos@international.gc.ca
Follow Travel Canada on social media for updates:
X/Twitter: @TravelGoC and @CanadaFP
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelGoC
Purchase trip interruption and travel health insurance before departure, even for day trips. Lakehead’s corporate card insurance covers lost luggage and flight delays. The certificates can be found here. The flight would have to be paid for with a corporate card and the card has to be in good standing (i.e. not suspended due to a past due balance).
Lakehead University Travel Recommendations
When traveling to the United States, it is advisable for researchers to familiarize themselves with the health insurance coverage provided through the University benefits. To review the specifics of your travel-related benefits, please consult your benefits booklet, which can be accessed via your Green Shield account or through the Human Resources benefits webpage.
In addition to the benefits booklet, please refer to the Travel Benefits Booklet, which is available on the travel webpage. This document provides comprehensive information regarding travel-related coverage, including emergency contact numbers and steps to follow in case of an emergency.
Key Points to Remember:
Verify Your Coverage: It is important to review your travel benefits thoroughly to ensure you understand what is covered, including medical services while abroad.
Emergency Protocol: In the event of an emergency, it is essential to follow the correct procedures to ensure your coverage is activated. Failure to confirm eligibility or obtain necessary authorizations could result in additional out-of-pocket expenses or a lack of coverage.
Contact Information: If you have specific questions regarding your coverage or need assistance in locating information in your benefits booklet, please contact Green Shield directly. For general inquiries or assistance with benefits-related questions, you may also reach out to benefits.hr@lakeheadu.ca.
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this information before your trip to ensure you are properly prepared.
Electronic Device Security Alert
The Office of Research Services has received reports of increased scrutiny of electronic devices at US border crossings. Border officials may request access to phones, laptops, and other devices, with the possibility of examining content that could be deemed politically sensitive or controversial, which could lead to refusal of entry.
As the CAUT advisory notes, searches of electronic devices may compromise research confidentiality and academic freedom. Recent incidents include academics being denied entry after border officials discovered content on their devices that was perceived as critical of US policies.
To minimize potential complications, we strongly recommend that researchers:
Travel with minimal electronic devices when possible
Use dedicated travel devices containing only the essential information needed for your trip
Prior to travel, review and remove any content that could potentially be considered controversial
Consider cloud storage solutions that can be accessed after crossing the border via a secure VPN
Be aware that social media accounts, email, and other digital content may be subject to examination
Ensure all devices have strong password protection and encryption
Carefully consider whether your research content could be perceived as controversial, given the current US political climate
The Office of Research Services strongly recommends adherence to these protocols to mitigate potential risks and ensure uninterrupted research activities while abroad.
For specific travel security inquiries, Global Affairs Canada's Travel Advice, Outreach and Engagement Division may be contacted directly at: Outreach-Mobilisation.CEA@international.gc.ca
The Office of Research Services is closely monitoring international research security developments and will provide additional guidance as circumstances warrant.
For further information or to discuss specific concerns, please contact Andrew Austin, Research Security and Data Management Specialist, Office of Research Services at security.research@lakeheadu.ca or by telephone at Ext. 8190.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.