Travel Security Checklist (2026)
Whether you're a digital nomad, business traveler, or vacation worker, international travel introduces unique security risks. Follow this checklist to protect your devices, data, and accounts.
Before You Travel
- Install and test your VPN — verify it works with the kill switch enabled
- Enable full-disk encryption on all devices (BitLocker / FileVault)
- Back up all important data to an encrypted cloud service
- Enable Find My Device / remote wipe on all devices
- Update all software (OS, browser, VPN app, security tools)
- Enable 2FA on all critical accounts using an authenticator app
- Save backup recovery codes in your password manager
- Note your embassy contact info and bank's international number
- Research your destination's internet restrictions and VPN legality
- Consider a travel-only device for high-risk destinations
- Set up international roaming or purchase a local SIM in advance
- Inform your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks
While Traveling
Do
- + Keep VPN active on all public networks
- + Lock devices when not in your hands
- + Use a privacy screen in public places
- + Keep devices in carry-on luggage (never checked)
- + Use hotel safe for devices you leave behind
- + Monitor accounts for unusual activity
Don't
- - Use public/shared computers for any login
- - Connect to unknown Wi-Fi networks without VPN
- - Leave devices visible in vehicles
- - Use USB charging stations (juice jacking risk)
- - Announce travel plans on social media in real-time
- - Ignore software update prompts
Countries With Internet Restrictions
These countries have known internet censorship or platform restrictions. Set up your VPN before arrival.
IndiaPlatform restrictionsChinaCensorship · Platform restrictionsRussiaCensorship · Platform restrictionsUnited Arab EmiratesPlatform restrictions · CensorshipThailandPlatform restrictionsTurkeyCensorship · Platform restrictionsNigeriaPlatform restrictionsEgyptCensorship · Platform restrictionsVietnamCensorship · Platform restrictionsMalaysiaPlatform restrictionsIndonesiaPlatform restrictionsSaudi ArabiaCensorship · Platform restrictionsPakistanCensorship · Platform restrictionsBangladeshCensorship · Platform restrictionsUkrainePlatform restrictionsMoroccoPlatform restrictionsSri LankaPlatform restrictionsNepalPlatform restrictionsMyanmarCensorship · Platform restrictionsAzerbaijanPlatform restrictionsQatarPlatform restrictionsBahrainPlatform restrictionsOmanPlatform restrictionsKuwaitPlatform restrictionsSenegalPlatform restrictionsTanzaniaPlatform restrictionsEthiopiaCensorship · Platform restrictionsUgandaPlatform restrictionsUzbekistanPlatform restrictionsKazakhstanPlatform restrictionsBelarusCensorship · Platform restrictionsBruneiPlatform restrictionsLaosPlatform restrictionsNicaraguaPlatform restrictionsCubaCensorship · Platform restrictionsZambiaPlatform restrictionsZimbabweCensorship · Platform restrictionsCameroonCensorship · Platform restrictionsIvory CoastPlatform restrictionsMaldivesPlatform restrictionsHong KongPlatform restrictionsEswatiniPlatform restrictionsBeninPlatform restrictionsTogoCensorship · Platform restrictionsGabonPlatform restrictionsMauritaniaPlatform restrictionsMaliCensorship · Platform restrictionsAfghanistanCensorship · Platform restrictionsIraqCensorship · Platform restrictionsLibyaCensorship · Platform restrictionsSudanCensorship · Platform restrictionsYemenCensorship · Platform restrictionsEquatorial GuineaPlatform restrictionsChadCensorship · Platform restrictionsNigerPlatform restrictionsBurkina FasoCensorship · Platform restrictionsSierra LeonePlatform restrictionsGuineaCensorship · Platform restrictionsGambiaPlatform restrictionsDjiboutiPlatform restrictionsEritreaCensorship · Platform restrictionsSouth SudanPlatform restrictionsBurundiCensorship · Platform restrictionsKyrgyzstanPlatform restrictionsTajikistanCensorship · Platform restrictionsTurkmenistanCensorship · Platform restrictionsSyriaCensorship · Platform restrictionsNorth KoreaCensorship · Platform restrictionsIranCensorship · Platform restrictionsVenezuelaCensorship · Platform restrictions
After You Return
- 1. Run a full malware scan on all travel devices
- 2. Change passwords for any accounts accessed on public networks
- 3. Review account activity for unauthorized access
- 4. Remove any temporary travel apps or networks
- 5. Update travel device software if behind