Worldwide alert

In response to the growing threat of ISIL, or Daesh, and other terrorist organizations, the US Department of State released a Worldwide Travel Alert on Nov. 23 warning that multiple countries and sites could become targets of terrorism. 

The alert is in effect until Feb. 24, 2016, during which time the Department recommends that travelers (1) monitor media and information sources local to the travel destination, (2) be prepared for additional security and screenings, (3) stay in touch with family members and ensure they know how to reach the travelers and (4) follow the instructions of local authorities.

The State Department also recommends that travelers enroll in its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before any trip. STEP members are given up-to-date information on the safety and security situations in the countries they are visiting and will be contacted directly by the local US embassy in the event of an emergency.

To enroll in STEP, before leaving for their trip, travelers can register with the US embassy or consulate nearest the location they will be visiting. Contact information and locations of US embassies and consulates can be found at www.usembassy.gov (click on the destination area, then the nation, then on “U.S. Citizen Services”).