Summer Travel & Foreign Contacts
- Accel Innovation Corp.
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A Message from the Security Department
As we head into the peak of summer, many of us are preparing to take well-deserved time off to travel, relax, and recharge. However, maintaining a security clearance means our reporting obligations don't go on vacation. This month, we are focusing on your baseline security responsibilities regarding unofficial foreign travel under Security Executive Agent Directive 3 (SEAD 3).
Before you pack your bags or head to the airport, it is critical to know what requires notification to the Facility Security Officer (FSO) so that your status remains fully compliant in DISS.
SEAD 3 Unofficial Foreign Travel: Know Before You Go
Under DCSA and SEAD 3 guidelines, all cleared personnel are required to report all unofficial foreign travel prior to departure. Security compliance isn't just about high-risk destinations—it applies to routine vacations, too.
Commonly Overlooked Travel Triggers:
Cruises: Even if you plan to stay on the ship, any cruise that stops at a foreign port counts as reportable foreign travel.
Border Crossings: Short day trips or weekend getaways across the border into Canada or Mexico must be reported prior to leaving.
International Layovers: If your flight connects or transits through a foreign country on the way to your final destination, that country must be included on your itinerary.
Note: Travel to U.S. Territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands) does not require a foreign travel report.
The Compliance Timeline
To ensure everything is processed smoothly, please adhere to the following mandatory timeline:
30 Days Before Travel:
Submit your complete pre-travel itinerary to the Security Department. This must include travel dates, modes of transportation, passport data, and any planned foreign contacts.
Within 5 Days of Return:
If you experienced any unplanned itinerary changes, emergency deviations, or unexpected border crossings, you must report them within 5 business days of returning to the U.S.
Staying Alert While Abroad
While traveling, remember that foreign intelligence entities (FIEs) and criminal elements regularly target U.S. cleared contractors, often using subtle elicitation tactics at popular tourist destinations, hotels, and international conferences.
Quick Protection Steps:
Report Suspicious Contacts: If a foreign national attempts to gather information about your work, asks probing questions about our company's contracts, or attempts to maintain a continuous relationship, you are obligated to report it upon return.
Secure Your Tech: Treat all foreign Wi-Fi networks as compromised. Avoid logging into sensitive company infrastructure or work emails on personal devices while abroad.
⚠️ FSO Action Item: Do not risk your eligibility by forgetting to file. Access our standard Pre-Travel Notification forms on our internal team page or click the link below to submit your itinerary directly to the Security Team.
Comments