The Department of State updated the standing Worldwide Caution on March 22, 2026. The full text reads:
March 22, 2026 - The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.
Location: Worldwide
Event: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.
International Safety and Security at the University of Illinois would like to remind travelers of these relevant points:
- The Worldwide Caution encourages travelers to “exercise increased caution.” This is the same designation as Travel Advisory Level 2, which applies to many countries visited by university travelers on a daily basis.
- The U.S. Department of State describes “exercise increased caution” as: “Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. … Conditions in any country may change at any time.” Travelers should review country-specific security information from the Department of State.
- Review travel safety and wellness tips on the International Safety and Security website.
- Travel to countries with a U.S. Department of State Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory falls under the university’s high-risk travel review process. University-affiliated travelers planning travel to the Middle East should review the recent Massmail message regarding travel to the region and high-risk travel.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor their flight status, enroll in the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and review country-specific travel advisories as part of their pre-departure travel preparation. Travelers may also review travel safety information and security updates on U.S. Department of State social media accounts on WhatsApp and X (@travelgov) or on embassy websites.
International Safety and Security is available 24/7 to assist University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff abroad. For emergencies contact us through UIPD at +1 (217) 333-1216. For routine matters, please e-mail us at safetyabroad@illinois.edu.
Thank you,
International Safety and Security