Georgetown University International Traveler Advisory

UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security plans to ban laptops in the cabins of all flights from Europe to the United States, European security officials told The Daily Beast. An announcement is expected Thursday, May 11, 2017.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued new security procedures related to carry-on luggage for international flights to the United States departing from 10 overseas airports. The procedures prohibit personal electronic devices larger than a smartphone in carry-on baggage for flights departing from the following airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

Passengers traveling from the affected airports will be required to place any electronic device larger than a smartphone in checked baggage prior to boarding US-bound flights.

Electronic medical devices and smartphones will be allowed with carry-on luggage.

ADVICE to all Georgetown University International Travelers

Travel

Consult the relevant carrier or airport prior to your departure from an affected airport.

Anticipate possible security delays at pre-departure screening at the affected airports while the new procedures are being implemented. All travelers departing from these airports, regardless of their final destination, should arrive earlier than usual to account for potential delays caused by enhanced screening.

Comply with all security directives from airport authorities.

Monitor the TSA and Department of Homeland Security websites for up-to-date information on changes to regulations.

Pack your device securely, cushioned between clothes or in a protective sleeve in your suitcase.

Lock your suitcase with only Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved measures to comply with bag search policies [http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/02/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-tsa-recognized.html]

When you collect your baggage from the carousel at your destination, check to see if your electronic equipment is safe before leaving the airport.

Data security

Back up your data in the event your laptop is lost or stolen. If you have files on your laptop, move them to the cloud through BOX.

If you have files on your shared drive that you will need to access, transfer them to BOX.

Laptops

All laptops issued by GU are not encrypted. If you are traveling with a laptop, contact UIS for support.

We strongly advise against traveling with non-encrypted laptops

Tablets

Avoid traveling with a tablet (iPad / Samsung Galaxy Tablet) with university applications (i.e. Box, Email, GMS, Google Drive).

These applications are not encrypted, jeopardizing the confidentiality of data.

Instead, delete or logout of these applications before you travel and add or reactivate them upon your return to the U.S.

Ensure your tablet has a pass-code to lock it and that you have enabled “Find my iPad” (Apple) or similar software for Android.

What to do if my GU electronic device is lost or stolen?

ONLY GU-issued electronic property is covered by insurance.

NOTE: Personal electronic devices are NOT covered by GU insurance.

Your first contact at the airport should be the airline baggage assistance team – be sure to get an incident report number before you leave the airport (for claims purposes). To file a claim with the University for a lost or stolen device, contact the Office of Risk Management at (202) 687-6622.

MORE DETAIL:
The ban prohibits all electronic devices larger than a mobile phone, including laptops, tablets, cameras and e-readers, from the passenger cabin and carry-on luggage on flights to the US from the affected airports until further notice. Such devices will be permitted in checked luggage. Mobile phones and medical devices will be excluded from the ban, subject to additional screening.

The new order specifically affects the following airports:

Abu Dhabi International (AUH, UAE)
Cairo International (CAI, Egypt)
Dubai International (DXB, UAE)
Hamad International (DOH, Doha, Qatar)
Istanbul Ataturk (IST, Turkey)
King Abdulaziz International (JED, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
King Khalid International (RUH, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Kuwait International (KWI)
Mohammed V International (CAS, Casablanca, Morocco)
Queen Alia International (AMM, Amman, Jordan).