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Security Information Resources

In addition to speaking with staff in the Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS), Northwestern University offers travelers a variety of travel safety and security resources as well as access to informational alerts produced by third parties, including:

  • The U.S. Department of State (U.S. DOS)
  • Crisis24
  • Other Countries Travel Advice

The U.S. Department of State (U.S. DOS)

The U.S. DOS’s Travelers website provides travel safety resources, including country-specific Travel Advisories. 

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should sign-up for the U.S. DOS’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP will also allow the U.S. government to act quickly if you go missing or are a victim of a serious crime. 

Northwestern is also a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). OSAC’s Country Security Reports, produced by embassy’s security staff, do not require a login or password. Faculty or staff who support student group travel and may be interested in engaging directly with OSAC regarding a specific security concern should contact OGSS for more information. Non-U.S. citizens can also receive alerts. See Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad. 

Crisis24

Northwestern has contracted with Crisis24, a security information and assistance firm with global support centers in Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, and the United States. Create an account with Crisis24 to access timely security information resources and sign-up for country-specific alerts.

  1. Go to crisis24horizon.com/northwesternuniversity
  2. Enter your Northwestern e-mail address and select “create account.”
  3. Check your in-box for an email titled, “Welcome to Crisis24 Horizon activation email” from support@crisis24horizon.com. This link expires after 24 hours.
  4. Complete the registration process (Set password, chose language preferences, etc.).

Trip leaders and organizers with complex or specific health or safety concerns about an upcoming group trip may request a Customized Security Report, also known as an Access to Analyst or Situational Report, for an additional perspective.

Other Government Risk Assessments

If comparative government risk assessments are desired, the recommended English-language resources include: