To Our University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign International Travelers,
On September 9, 2016 the U.S. Department of State updated its Worldwide Caution. This caution was issued as part of the Department of State’s continued efforts to keep U.S. citizens abroad aware of potential risks. It is important to note that this information from the State Department is not an alert or a warning but exists in order to convey considerations travelers may want to take into account.
We encourage all University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign faculty, staff, and students abroad to read this information and follow the safety precautions outlined. The Office of International Safety and Security will continue to monitor events around the world on a 24/7 basis and stay in close communication with the U.S. Department of State, the Overseas Security Advisory Council, our peer institutions, as well as our international medical and security provider.
General Safety Tips related to the Worldwide Caution:
- Maintain a high level of awareness in public places, at tourist attractions, in crowds, and on public transportation.
- Keep communication devices charged and available to you.
- Monitor the news for events of local interest.
- Communicate all travel plans with your host institution or on-site program coordinators.
- Familiarize yourself with local emergency service phone numbers.
- Stay in touch with family and friends.
- Remember the UIUC 24/7 Emergency Phone Line: 217-333-1216.
- If you haven’t already, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
For more information related to international safety and security, please review our website.
Safe Travels,
Andrea Bordeau
Assistant Director for International Safety and Security
