071218 – Worldwide Caution

The U.S. Department of State updated on July 2, 2018 the Worldwide Caution alert.  The update provides U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that transpire 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. This version replaces the Worldwide Caution dated January 11, 2018.

Read the full Worldwide Caution.   We additionally recommend UT Dallas travelers to:

• Verify that the phone, and e-mail in your MyTrips profile in International SOS profile will help UT Dallas reach you in case of emergency.
• Register your UT Dallas related travel itinerary, including trips not booked through the UTD authorized agencies, in International SOS and print your ISOS card.
• In case of emergency, contact local assistance services and International SOS. If you have specific safety concerns, contact local law enforcement authorities.

Stay connected and aware of current developments

• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if a U.S. Citizen.  Follow similar procedures with your home country embassy at your destination if not a U.S. Citizen.
• Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
• Monitor your UT Dallas email address for travel updates from ISOS and UT Dallas.
• Download the ISOS assistance app to get travel notifications and alerts relevant to your destination.
• Monitor the media and local developments closely and follow any instructions or advice issued by the local authorities.

Be prepared

• Review or create an emergency communication plan.
• Avoid large crowds and crowded places. Exercise particular caution during high-profile public events (sporting contests, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, demonstrations, etc.)
• Be aware of immediate surroundings and exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.
• Have an emergency action plan ready.

Sources

• U.S. Department of State Worldwide Caution

We wish you safe travels!

The risk information in this report is retrieved from the listed sources. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.