No undergraduate student shall be required to participate in an educational activity under University of Pittsburgh auspices in a district/country for which the Department of State has issued a Travel Warning. The University of Pittsburgh also does not recommend such travel. Nevertheless, an undergraduate student who wishes to travel for his or her own educational purposes to a district/country for which the State Department has issued a “heightened risk” travel warning may do so, under the following conditions: 

1. The student must review the Travel Warning and the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet for the district/country in question. The student must also review applicable U.S. Department of State public announcements for the region in question. These documents are available on the web at www.state.gov. 

2. The student must consider carefully the risks described in the Travel Warning and, weighing those risks against the value of the educational opportunity to the student, make his or her own determination about whether to continue with the planned research or study activity. In balancing these factors, the student should take into consideration the possibility that the existing Travel Warning may be changed to a more urgent type of warning, triggering section II of these guidelines and possibly affecting the student’s ability to receive a refund of monies already expended for the research or study activity. The student should also take into consideration the possibility that, if he or she encounters difficulties abroad, the University of Pittsburgh and even the U.S. Department of State may be unable to assist. 

3. The student must sign a release, acknowledging the existence of the travel warning and his/her decision to continue with the planned activity despite that warning, and releasing the University from liability for death, injuries or losses suffered by the student while participating in the activity. If a student is under age 18, both of his/her parents or guardian must also sign this release.

4. If the general travel warning for the district/country in question contains category (2) warnings for specific regions within the country, the student must agree in writing to refrain from any travel to those regions during his/her education or research abroad activity. Failure to comply with this agreement will lead to a loss of enrollment status and the inability to transfer credit to the University of Pittsburgh as outlined in section II.

5. If the student is already in the district/country for which the travel warning has been issued, the Study Abroad Office will attempt to notify him or her of the changed status, and request a signed release as specified in 3 above. Should the student decide to return to the U.S., the University will, at the student’s request, endeavor to help the student make arrangements for his/her return.

6. If the student follows the steps outlined in 1 to 5 above, he/she will be able to register for academic credit.

7. If the student follows the steps outlined in 1 to 5 above, and if the educational activity is otherwise approved and eligible, he/she will be able to use scholarship and other University funds obtained in support of the educational activity in the district/country affected by a type (1) travel warning.

When the U.S. Department of State issues a travel warning that forbids, restricts, or otherwise urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to a certain district, the following rules apply for undergraduate students: 

1. University of Pittsburgh study abroad programs in that district/country shall be suspended.

2. No undergraduate student shall be allowed to travel to that district/country under University of Pittsburgh auspices.

3. No undergraduate student shall be given University of Pittsburgh funding—including any external funding administered through and disbursed by the university—for any activity in that district/country. If the student has already received such funding prior to the imposition of the travel warning, the funding shall be returned to the University. Where a portion of the funds have already been expended in furtherance of the activity before the travel warning was imposed, the Safety Abroad Standing Committee, after consultation with the sponsoring department or office, shall decide the amount to be returned to the University, while taking into account individual circumstances

4. If the student is already in the district/country for which the travel warning has been issued, the Safety Abroad Standing Committee will make a determination as to whether the student shall be required to return to the U.S. Where the student is required to return to the U.S. or where the student desires to return to the U.S. under these circumstances, the University will, at the student’s request, endeavor to help the student make arrangements for his/her return. The Study Abroad Office will attempt to notify those students who are already in the district/country where the heightened travel warning has been issued of the University’s actions regarding their program and safety.

5. Where the student has pre-paid the costs of a University of Pittsburgh study abroad program the student may be eligible for a refund of all or a portion of the payment, but the availability of a refund is not guaranteed and will depend on the circumstances of each case.

6. In cases where an undergraduate student’s early departure from a study abroad program due to a U.S. State Department travel warning leads to a loss of anticipated academic credit, the University of Pittsburgh will make a good-faith effort to provide alternative arrangements allowing the student to complete the work necessary to obtain the academic credit that he or she would have earned on the interrupted program.

6. If an undergraduate student elects to travel and participate in the activity despite the Travel Warning and the University rules set out above, section 3 above pertaining to use of University funds applies. In addition, if the student participates in research or other educational activity in a district/country while that district/country is under the Travel Warning, the student will not receive any academic credit from the University for that research or educational activity.

The Safety Abroad Standing Committee shall consist of two appointees from the Office of the Provost one of which will serve as the Chair of the Committee, one appointee each of the Director of UCIS, the University’s Risk Manager, and the General Counsel; and the Director of the Study Abroad Office.

Where a Department of State Travel Warning wording is not clear on whether it falls into category (1) or (2) as set out above, the Safety Abroad Standing Committee will review relevant information and make recommendations to the Provost.

In any situation involving a Travel Warning, the special conditions that caused the warning to be issued ^* may warrant additional or different University rules and responses. In such a case, the Safety Abroad Standing Committee shall recommend to the Provost suggested rules and response.

* As an example but not as a limitation, such a situation could include travel to an area that is suffering a disease outbreak where there is a risk that the employee may spread the disease to the University community upon return.

January 17, 2008

This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 9, 2007.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people. In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London.

Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. Recent examples include multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas International Airport. In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.

The Middle East and North Africa

Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.

On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council. Three other suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 in Algeria killed more than 80 people. In July 2007, suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis Temple in Yemen, which resulted in the deaths of eight Spanish tourists and their two Yemeni drivers. There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca. Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007. These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.

The violence in Iraq, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, clashes between terrorist extremists and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the violence in Pakistan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007 have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.

The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.

East Africa

A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region. Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings or targeting maritime vessels. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks. In particular, terrorists may target civil aviation and seaports. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.

Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates during the past several years. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia in international waters.

The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times.

Central Asia

The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests. Elements and supporters of extremist groups present in Central Asia, including the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), al-Qaida, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments in the past and have demonstrated the capability to conduct terrorist operations in the region. Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan. In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.

Before You Go

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov . In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.