The Miami Hurricane Staff members Madison Block, Reach Po and Emil Salgado holding awards from the ACP conference in San Fransisco, CA
The United States Department of State has issued travel warnings for American citizens studying domestically and abroad. The announcement to “take the same precautions as US government personnel” came just before UM’s spring break.
Many countries have received updated travel advisories since the U.S. and Israel launched their attack against Iran on Feb. 28, a week before the start of spring break. Most countries with warnings are popular vacation destinations or cities that offer study abroad programs.
These new security concerns have led students to change their plans at the last minute to ensure their safety.
“I canceled my trip to Cyprus because of the updated travel guidelines after a drone strike at the British Embassy in Cyprus,” Jayden Gonzalez, a UM junior affected by the situation, said.
On Mar. 2, the Department of State issued a warning to people traveling to Cyprus because of possible “armed conflict.” Travelers were advised to stay in doors and alert. By Mar. 4, they were urged not to visit the country.
“By visiting, you may be putting yourself at extreme risk,” the Department of State said on high-risk areas, like Cyprus. “And we may have limited ability to help you.”
Similar messages were issued for Mexico after the drug lord “El Mencho” was killed by the Mexican National Guard. Cancun and Los Cabos, two popular tourist destinations, have reached Advisory Level 3.
Travel advisories have not stopped all UM students. The Dominican Republic, which has a Level 2 warning, is still one of the most popular vacation spots.
“I didn’t feel like we had to take any precautions or preventive measures,” Andrea Ye Guo, a UM freshman who traveled to Santo Domingo on Mar. 6, said.
For those who still choose to travel at this time, the DoS created a full list of travel advisories and safety tips for each country.
Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and Student Engagement Pat Whitely echoes the words of the DoS on Mar. 5 in an email sent to all students.
“Whether you travel or stay local, I encourage you to make choices that prioritize your safety,” Whitely wrote.
For students staying in Miami, security concerns remain. Recent nationwide unrest has increased since a shooting in Austin, Texas, by a person with suspected links to Iran, according to the Council of Foreign Relations.
In response to the concerns, the Miami Police Department has increased patrolling in houses of worship and other “sensitive locations.”
“We will remain vigilant, visible, and committed to protecting every member of our community,” Chief Manuel A. “Manny” Morales posted on the MPD Instagram page.
Chief Morales said there are no “known credible threats” right now, but residents are still urged to be cautious and call 911 in case of an emergency.