The Department of State updated the standing Worldwide Caution on May 17th, 2024. The full text reads:
Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. citizens should:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Worldwide Cautions provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that occur abroad, as well as specific recommendations on how to prepare for possible contingencies, receive information on breaking security events and ensure that travelers can be contacted in an emergency.
At this time, the University of Illinois is not changing travel guidance due to the Worldwide Caution.
- The Worldwide Caution encourages travelers to “exercise increased caution.” This is the same designation as Travel Advisory Level 2, which is applied to many countries visited by university travelers on a daily basis.
- Department of States describes “exercise increased caution” as: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. … Conditions in any country may change at any time.
- A new component in the Worldwide Caution is identification of “the potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events.” June is Pride Month in many countries. Various groups have threatened Pride-associated events. We echo the guidance to stay alert while abroad and keep informed of developments using local media. You can also receive Department of State alerts and notifications by registering in STEP.
We encourage travelers to review our previous blog on Protest Safety Tips. More resources can be found here.
International Safety and Security is available 24/7 to assist all University of Illinois students abroad. For emergencies contact us through UIPD at +1 (217) 333-1216. For routine matters, please e-mail us at safetyabroad@illinois.edu.