Update on University-Related Travel to the Middle East and High-Risk Travel Guidelines
March 5, 2026 10:02 AM

Dear faculty, staff, and graduate students,

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, both on campus and abroad, is the university's top priority. Accordingly, International Safety and Security is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and planned university-related travel to the region. This update includes information on how university-related travel is currently being evaluated, as well as a reminder of the established processes and policies for all high-risk international travel.

Review of Planned University-Related Travel

All university-related travel to the Middle East with planned departure dates through April 19, 2026, is currently being reviewed by International Safety and Security. University-related travel is defined as: travel outside the United States (50 states plus the District of Columbia) by students, faculty, and staff for purposes and activities related to the university. University-related travel differs from Personal Travel, which is defined as travel for non-university reasons.

All itineraries to the 14 countries identified in the March 2, 2026, U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs communication advising the immediate departure of U.S. citizens (Instagram / X / Facebook) will be assessed in alignment with the university’s International Travel Safety Policy. Guidance on potential risk mitigation strategies and whether specific travel itineraries are approved or disapproved will be issued directly to the affected travelers via email.

The university will continue to reassess the feasibility of travel beyond this initial 45-day period.

Reminder: Requirements for High-Risk Travel

The university balances its commitment as a global university with its responsibilities to students, faculty, and staff. The university supports broad and diverse international travel while providing a process to identify locations of elevated concern.

As outlined in the International Travel Safety Policy, travel to locations with elevated safety or security risks, as defined by Department of State travel advisory levels 3 or 4, requires additional review and pre-approval. If travel is disapproved, university support and resources, including agreements, funding, and pre-arranged academic credit may not be available to travelers. High-risk itineraries are identified through the required international insurance enrollment process. Travel approvals to high-risk locations are made by the Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Global Affairs & Strategies in consultation with International Safety and Security and other stakeholders.

The university may also temporarily defer all travel to a specific country or region due to significant risk including active conflicts, airspace closures, lack of commercial air services, and conflict-related exclusions to insurance policies. Such decisions are made carefully in consultation with relevant partners and stakeholders.

These developments present new challenges to international travel, research, and engagement, adding stress for many members of our community. International Safety and Security will continue to monitor developments and communicate updates to support our community. We appreciate the care that members of our community continue to show for one another during a challenging time.

Any questions about travel safety, international travel policy, international insurance, and high-risk travel may be directed to International Safety and Security at safetyabroad@illinois.edu. For more information about travel safety and support resources, visit safetyabroad.illinois.edu.

Sincerely,

Colleen Murphy
Interim Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Global Affairs & Strategies Designate, Illinois International
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Roger & Stephany Joslin Professor of Law, College of Law 

Michelle Dube
Director for International Safety and Security, Illinois International