Evaluating the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System
Many colleges and universities, including Northwestern, pay close attention U.S. Department of State (DOS) consular announcements, which are disseminated to the public to help assess travelers’ risks. It’s important for travelers to understand the different announcement types and sources.
The Consular Travel Advisory System
Under new DOS every country is assigned a color-coded risk rating from one to four, defined as:
- Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.
- Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in t