July 18, 2025

We would like to alert you to the following updates to our travel guidance issued during the conflict between Israel and Iran:

The university’s contracted international security provider, Crisis24 (who provides our emergency evacuation services), has indicated to us that they will resume reviewing requests for travel to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank on a case-by-case basis. Any proposed travel to Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank must go through WashU’s Petition for Exception process and receive approval from Crisis24 prior to travel commencing. Please note that undertaking this process will not automatically guarantee travel approval.

Crisis24 is no longer providing coverage for travel to Iran. Given this development, University-supported or sponsored travel to Iran will not be permitted, and Exception Petitions for travel to this location will not be accepted or approved until this coverage resumes. The University recognizes that this is a dynamic and evolving situation, and ITOC will be reviewing the status of travel to this region with our security provider on a regular basis.

Travel remains suspended in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen based on the risk ratings from the U.S. Department of State and International SOS, as outlined in the university’s International Travel Policy. (See https://global.wustl.edu/resources/international-travel-policy/ for more details.) At this time, all other travel in and through the Middle East to countries and areas not included on the Travel Suspension Conditions List can continue. However, the university strongly recommends taking enhanced precautions.

For those traveling in the region:

  • Maintain a low profile and exercise heightened situational awareness at all times. As an additional cautionary measure, do not display any obvious signs of nationality.
  • Avoid areas where any protests or demonstrations are taking place. Be prepared to leave an area where crowds are anticipated or begin to gather. In some instances, local security forces may adopt robust tactics to disperse crowds or contain unrest.
  • Monitor local media, International SOS advisories, and information from the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date security analysis and guidance.

It is also very strongly recommended that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling in or through the region enroll their trip(s) with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/. This is in addition to the required registration of your itinerary with the university’s international travel registry MyTrips, not in place of it. More information on MyTrips is available here: https://global.wustl.edu/mytrips-instructions/

We will continue to monitor the situation closely. WashU places the highest priority on our travelers’ safety and security. Please contact itoc@wustl.edu with any additional questions.

International Travel Oversight Committee (ITOC)