Health & Safety Updates
The University of Maryland Education Abroad Risk Management Committee will provide guidance to Education Abroad for students studying abroad in countries with travel alerts or travel warnings issued by the US Department of State. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and Education Abroad will be in direct contact with students and emergency contacts to relay essential information about emerging situations and safety recommendations.
All students and parents are advised to review the Health and Safety section of our website.
Following are excerpts of US Department of State Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts for countries in which the University of Maryland operates programs.
Worldwide Caution
The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests throughout the world. US citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated January 31, 2011, to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.
The Department of State encourages US citizens living overseas or planning to travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). When you enroll in STEP, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. Enrolling will also make it easier for the Embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Read more: Worldwide Caution
Travel Warnings
Syria Travel Warning, January 11, 2012This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated December 21, 2011, and is being updated to reflect that on January 11, 2012, the Department of State has ordered a further reduction in staffing of the US Embassy in Syria. Due to security concerns in Syria, in October 2011, the embassy was designated an unaccompanied post with restricted staffing. The Department has decided to further reduce the number of employees present in Damascus, and has ordered a number of employees to depart Syria as soon as possible. US citizens should avoid all travel to Syria. The US Department of State urges US citizens currently in Syria to depart immediately while commercial transportation is available. The number of airlines serving Syria has decreased significantly since the summer months, and many of the remaining airlines have reduced their number of flights. US citizens who must remain in Syria should limit nonessential travel within the country. Due to further reductions in US Embassy staff and as a result of the deteriorating security situation, the Consular Section will no longer have hours during which it is open to the public. Effective immediately, all consular services are by prearranged appointment only. Our ability to assist US citizens in an emergency is extremely limited and may be further constrained by the fluid security situation.
Read more: Syria Travel Warning
Israel Travel Warning, June 22, 2011
The Department of State warns US citizens of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and about threats to themselves and to US interests in those locations. The Department of State urges US citizens to remain mindful of security factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This replaces the Travel Warning issued August 10, 2010, to update information on the general security environment and to warn against participation in any attempt to reach Gaza by sea.
Read more: Israel Travel Warning
Mexico Travel Warning, April 22, 2011The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform US citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated September 10, 2010 to consolidate and update information about the security situation and to advise the public of additional restrictions on the travel of US government personnel.
Read more: Mexico Travel Warning
For a complete list of Travel Warnings, see travel.state.gov.
Travel Alerts
India Travel Alert, January 4, 2012
The Department of State informs US citizens that in light of the continued possibility of terrorist attacks throughout India the October 2011 Travel Alert for India has been extended through the end of January 2012.
US citizens are urged to pay particular attention to their personal security. When traveling or residing in India, US citizens are always urged to maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile, monitor local news reports, consider the level of security present when visiting public places, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. In the past, terrorists have targeted markets, public transportation such as trains and public buses, religious sites, hotels, and restaurants. During the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, terrorists specifically targeted hotels and other public places.
In addition, the Department informs citizens that in preparation for Republic Day celebrations from January 26-29, 2012 there will be heightened security and increased police presence in all major Indian cities.
This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2012.
Chile Travel Alert, December 31, 2011
The State Department alerts US citizens traveling to and residing in Chile of ongoing forest fires in and around Torres del Paine National Park. As a result of the fires, the Park will be closed through the month of January. The Department of State urges US citizens to avoid travel to the Park due to the uncontained nature of these fires and the dangers associated with their unpredictable changes in direction. Travelers are encouraged to visit the official website of the Chilean National Park Service (CONAF) for up-to-date information at www.conaf.cl. This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2012.
Read more: Chile Travel Alert
Egypt Travel Alert, November 7, 2011
The US Department of State alerts US citizens traveling to or living in Egypt to the continuing possibility of sporadic unrest. A series of elections for the lower and upper houses of parliament is scheduled to take place from November 2011 through March 2012. Political rallies and demonstrations are likely to occur in the period leading up to and following the elections. In the past nine months, demonstrations have degenerated on occasion into violent clashes between police and protesters, in some instances resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. US citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert dated April 28, 2011 and updates information on the security situation and upcoming elections. This Travel Alert expires on April 1, 2012.
Read more: Egypt Travel AlertThailand Travel Alert, October 27, 2011
This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to difficulties related to travel in the flood-affected areas of the central and lower parts of northern Thailand, including Bangkok. Severe flooding has hampered transportation and limited access to some essential services in the affected regions. The US Department of State recommends against all but essential travel to these areas of Thailand. This Alert extends only to the areas of Thailand listed in the following paragraph. Most tourist destinations, such as Phuket and Chiang Mai, are unaffected by the current flooding. Bangkok's main international airport, Suvarnabhumi,is operating normally. This Travel Alert will expire on January 26, 2012.
Worldwide Travel Alert, October 11, 2011
The Department of State alerts US citizens of the potential for anti-US actions following the disruption of a plot, linked to Iran, to commit a significant terrorist act in the United States. This Travel Alert expires on January 11, 2012.
Read more: Worldwide Travel AlertJapan Travel Alert, October 7, 2011
Based on current data from Japan, we recommend that US citizens avoid all areas within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. In addition, US citizens should avoid the area northwest of the plant that the Government of Japan has designated as the "Deliberate Evacuation Area."
The Travel Alert also provides more specific guidance for temporary visitors and long-term residents. This Travel Alert expires on January 13, 2012.
Read more: Japan Travel Alert
9-11 Anniversary Travel Alert, September 2, 2011As we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Department of State informs US citizens traveling and residing abroad of the continued threat posed by al-Qa'ida and its affiliates. While we have not identified any specific threats from al-Qa'ida affiliates and allies to attack the United States or our interests on the 9/11 anniversary, US citizens should be aware that al-Qa'ida affiliates and allies have demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks against the United States and our interests around the world. In the past, terrorist organizations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar. This Worldwide Travel Alert supplements the July 26, 2011, Worldwide Caution, and expires on January 2, 2012.
Read more: 9-11 Anniversary Travel Alert