Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Rollow · Just Starting Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

I was informed that i may have a problem bringing my Laptop if i have 128bit encryprtion on it. Would anyone know if there is any truth to this?

Thanks

tdk2fe · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:15 pm Post subject:

I think that may be a myth.... I recently wen't to russia and a couple of my friends brought their laptops, with no problems. Customs didn't even check it on the way in or out, except for routine inspections to see if its a bomb or something.

wavetossed · WayToRussified Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Posts: 337

You might run into a problem on the way back if you are on a direct flight from Russia to the USA. I believe this arises from US laws restricting EXPORT of encryption technologies, not from any Russian laws.

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 570

Every computer which use the last internet explorer version use an 128 bits encryption devices. The customs don't care about that, you just have to be careful about the battery, be sure it is full because the customs will turn your computer on to check if there is not a bomb instead the battery.

Vic · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 8:08 pm Post subject:

You are all correct, but for the record - Customs does not care if you have a bomb or not as long as you declare if it is more expensive than the limit Laughing

The people that check you at the security checkpoints are the FSB. The customs officers answer to the FSB, not the other way around. Wink

You will have no problems with your laptop - I never did.

alanh · Frequent Guest Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 22

I had no problems with my laptop.

The US used to strictly regulate exports of devices that used encryption, but these regulations became absurd due to the wide availability of the encryption programs from non-US sources on the internet. In 2000, the regulations were relaxed. As long as you're not going to a blacklisted country (Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan or Syria), you'll be fine.

nigelinleeds · Lounge Lizard Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Posts: 106

I took my laptop on my last trip, no problems and just a cursory glance at customs. As when travelling anywhere I'd suggest getting a rucksack style laptop bag.