The U.S. Department of State issued an updated “Worldwide Caution” on October 24, 2023 due to elevated tensions around the world and the increased potential for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests. The update advises travelers to exercise increased caution. As always, the top priority of the Texas Global Risk and Safety team is to support students and employees traveling abroad.
The following resources are available to assist and empower UT Austin international travelers to make informed decisions and prepare for any potential emergencies they might encounter abroad:
- On Call International provides medical, travel, and safety assistance, including evacuation services, to all UT Austin travelers. Log into the On Call Plan Information Portal with the UT Group ID 100143CPPD21 to gain access to:
- Individual pre-departure consultation with a security expert if you have any safety concerns. Click on “PreTrip Itinerary Review” to request an appointment.
- Global Risk Intelligence for country-specific health, safety, and cultural information.
- OnSolve Risk Intelligence app, which allows travelers to receive critical incident alerts for their destination
- 24/7 tele-counseling
- Texas Global maintains a curated list of resources prepared specifically for UT Austin travelers, which includes these essential safety planning documents:
For students who are planning to travel abroad but have not yet departed, we highly encourage you attend a Health & Safety Pre-Departure Orientation.
For all travelers, whether you are planning to travel or have already departed, we strongly recommend that you:
- Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive critical information and alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, and to facilitate contact with you during crisis situations.
- Be familiar with U.S. Department of State Resources (including country-specific Travel Advisories) including access to the Directory of Embassies and Consulates and American Citizen Services and Crisis Management. Follow the Department of State on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X).
- Review the On Call International emergency assistance and overseas insurance Plan ID Document for coverage details. Scan the On Call brochure’s QR code to save the coverage information and On Call contact details to your phone.
- Download the OnSolve Risk Intelligence app (operated through On Call International) and ensure your location services are operational so UT Austin can ascertain your whereabouts and provide emergency support should incidents arise in your immediate vicinity. (All registered travelers should have received an invitation to do so shortly before departure.)
- Save your host country’s emergency number(s) in your phone.
We also recommend following the following security guidance:
- Avoid all protests, rallies, and demonstrations. These have the potential to escalate quickly into violence, and even onlookers risk possible arrest.
- Avoid or minimize time (if unavoidable) near flashpoint areas such as government buildings and religious sites.
- Monitor local media and adhere to all recommendations from local authorities.
- Avoid wearing or carrying anything that points to religious or national identity.
- Ensure that cell phones are charged at all times.
While abroad, if you need medical, security, or travel assistance, regardless of the nature or severity of the situation, contact On Call International 24-hour support:
- Call from anywhere in the world: +1 978-651-9722
- Call toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-833-328-1091
- Email: mail@oncallinternational.com
- Text-only number: 603-945-0103
- Live chat: https://www.oncallinternational.com/chat/direct
Your safe and successful international travel, whether it be for education abroad, faculty research, or to further the University’s goals, is important to Texas Global. Please do not hesitate to contact the Global Risk and Safety team if you have any questions or concerns.
