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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. Non-U.S. citizens can sign up for informational updates during university-affiliated travel.

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.

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.).

Northwestern travelers who wish to have an additional perspective on a travel health or security concern can call Crisis24 24/7 at (443) 459-4161.  This phone number is for trip planning only. For security emergencies abroad, call the NUPD 24/7 at 847-491-3456.

Trip leaders and organizers who have a more complicated or specific health or safety concern about an upcoming group trip can request a Customized Security Report (also called an Access to Analyst or Situational Report).

Other Countries Travel Advice

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