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Emergency Messages

Protests in Iran

1/13/26

The U.S. Department of State has instructed American citizens in Iran to depart immediately. Future travelers should postpone travel until further notice. Unlike most other countries, there is no U.S. embassy in Iran to provide support or coordinate assistance. The nationwide shutdown of the internet significantly impedes communications, especially in health and safety emergencies.

Travel to Israel and Palestine

12/19/25

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Israel and Palestine remains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. As a result, Crisis24, Northwestern’s evacuation assistance provider, continues to require review of future travel to Israel to confer the non-medical evacuation benefit.


Expanded Travel Restrictions

12/19/25

On December 16, 2025, the U.S. government expanded the list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the country to include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Citizens from 15 more countries face partial restrictions: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Exemptions apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories (such as athletes and diplomats) and “individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.” Northwestern travelers from or transiting through affected countries should follow official sources such as the U.S Department of State’ s Bureau of Consular Affairs and monitor Northwestern’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)’s Newsletters and Updates.