Category: Alerts
Worldwide Travel Alert
Worldwide Travel Alert
November 28th, 2015
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.
Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.
U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should:
- Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
- Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
- Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
- Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Worldwide Travel Alert
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016. More
Update: Ebola and Boston University
While it appears the Ebola crisis in West Africa may finally be on the wane, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) still recommends that U.S. residents avoid nonessential travel to Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. The recommendations below reflect the advice provided throughout the crisis by the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and other sources. Boston University still recommends that any traveler from those regions, or those contemplating travel to those regions, follow these recommendations.
Ebola and Boston University
We would like to remind all members of the BU community that the health and safety of our community is of highest importance to us. Despite the fact that Boston University and the New England area have not seen any incidents of the Ebola virus to date, Boston University remains vigilant and continues to review our preparations for dealing with any outbreak of disease.
Message Regarding Ebola and Intersession Travel
As we prepare for Intersession and the holiday season, we would like to send a reminder that the health and safety of our community is of highest importance to us.
2014 Ebola Outbreak
We are aware that members of the Boston University community may have questions about the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and the few cases reported to date in Nigeria. Several offices at BU, including Global Programs and both Student and Occupational Health Services, are monitoring the situation and the potential impact of Ebola on BU travel, both to and from West Africa.
Boston University Travelers
Boston University recommends that students, faculty and staff defer University-sponsored travel to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria until further notice. This recommendation is made in recognition of alerts and warnings provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of State in response to the Ebola outbreak.
Further, travelers to West Africa should also be aware that in the effort to contain the outbreak, several countries have imposed travel restrictions limiting or prohibiting entry of persons traveling from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. These restrictions may be expanded in coming days and weeks.
For more information on travel contact: Joe Finkhouse, Associate Director, Health, Safety and Security, Global Programs, 617-353-5401 or finkhous@bu.edu.
Students, Faculty and Staff Returning from the Affected Areas
If you have traveled recently to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, or Nigeria, please pay attention to your health. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the Ebola virus, though 8-10 days is the most common.
If you have traveled and become ill with flu-like symptoms (such as fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, sore throat) please consult a health care provider immediately to discuss your symptoms and recent travel, and to make arrangements to get timely care for your illness.
- Students should contact Student Health Services to arrange an appointment: 617-353-3575
- Faculty and Staff should contact the Occupational Health Center, 617-353-6630 or the Research Occupational Health Program at 617-414-ROHP (7647).
Risk to Individuals on Campus and in the Community
There have been no cases of person to person transmission of Ebola in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and other authorities stress that Ebola is not, in fact, highly contagious. It is difficult to contract, and is only spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or body. It cannot be spread (like colds or seasonal flu) through the air or through casual contact. Individuals who do not show symptoms are not contagious, including to roommates, classmates, etc.
Links
Travel Alert: Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
Boston University recommends that students, faculty and staff defer University-sponsored travel to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria until further notice. This recommendation is made in recognition of alerts and warnings provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of State, as well as limitations placed on air travel, in response to the Ebola outbreak. Updates will be provided as available. For more information, please contact Joe Finkhouse, Global Programs Associate Director for Health, Safety and Security, at finkhous@bu.edu.
Travel Alert: Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
Following is basic information on the outbreak and tips to help keep you and other members of the Boston University community safe. We encourage you to seek additional information or advice through the resources outlined here if you have any questions or concerns.
Worldwide Travel Alert
Global Programs would like to inform BU travelers about the State Department Worldwide Travel Alert issued August 2, 2013. This alert and the temporary closure of several U.S. embassies and consulates are good reminders of the need for heightened vigilance and situational awareness while traveling. More
Global Feature
Global Feature
Global Feature
