Resources and Emergency Protocol for International Scholars
Lost or Stolen Documents
- If your passport was lost or stolen, immediately contact the embassy of your home country in the country where you are currently located, to apply for a new passport. Find embassies and consulates worldwide
- If your U.S. visa stamp was in the passport that was lost or stolen, you will also need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate after your new passport has been issued. U.S. embassies and consulates
- Lost or stolen document: Form DS-2019 or I-797 Approval Notice - Contact the ISchO during office hours.
Travel validation on your DS-2019 - The need for a travel validation signature on your DS-2019 is not usually considered an emergency. Please plan ahead, and request a travel signature well in advance of your departure. If you have already left the U.S., contact the ISchO during business hours.
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Travel Emergencies
New! ISchO Emergency Contact and Entry Documentation Important Information to Read before traveling into/out of the U.S.
If you are detained at an airport or other U.S. Port of Entry:
- International Scholars Office Emergency Contact Phone Number: 617-253-2888.
- If you have problems upon arrival at a U.S. airport or border crossing, and additional information is requested, please contact this ISchO emergency phone number, above, if/when you are able to do so.
- Do not call this number to report your successful arrival, only call if you encounter problems. To report your successful arrival, and for all other questions or information, please email ischo@mit.edu.
Please note that new U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations allow for CBP officials to request information about social media accounts, including searching your accounts, laptops, phones, tablets, or other electronic devices. U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance says that no passwords or other personal information will be retained. While this is not usual, you should be aware that such searches can be made. See resources, below.
Medical, security, and travel assistance for MIT employees who are outside the U.S.:
- Contact International SOS, a company with which MIT has contracted to provide emergency medical, security, and travel assistance. International SOS has 24-hour alarm centers, international clinics, and remote-site medical facilities on all five continents.
Available to MIT employees (faculty, staff, Postdoctoral Associates). Not available to Postdoctoral Fellows, visiting scholars, and other non-employees. See International SOS website for details.
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Medical Emergencies
For life-threatening medical or mental health emergencies:
- If you are on campus, call the MIT Police at 617-253-1212, or 100 from any campus phone
- Call 911 if you are off campus
If you are travelling outside the U.S.:
- Seek the nearest medical facility.
- Contact the embassy of your home country in the country in which you are currently located and in need of emergency assistance. Find embassies and consulates worldwide
- Medical, security, and travel assistance for MIT employees who are outside the U.S. - Contact International SOS, a company with which MIT has contracted to provide emergency medical, security, and travel assistance. International SOS has 24-hour alarm centers, international clinics, and remote-site medical facilities on all five continents.Available to MIT employees (faculty, staff, Postdoctoral Associates). Not available to Postdoctoral Fellows, visiting scholars, and other non-employees. See International SOS website for details.
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Other Emergencies
For emergencies of any kind including but not limited to:
- theft
- fire
- violence
- sexual assault and misconduct
- missing person
If you are on campus, call the MIT Police at 617-253-1212, or 100 from any campus phone.
If you are off campus, call 911.
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Helpful Resources
- ISchO Travel Advisory
web.mit.edu/scholars/intlscholars/travel/advisory.html
- ISchO Safety Information
web.mit.edu/scholars/intlscholars/general/safety.html
- MIT Environmental Health and Safety
ehs.mit.edu/site/
- MIT’s Global Support Resources website “Travel” section has information about travel logistics, documents, policies, reimbursement, etc.
- MIT International Travel Risk Policy
globalsupport.mit.edu/travel-safety-abroad/safety-abroad/international-travel-risk-policy/
- MIT Medical Urgent Care Service
medical.mit.edu/my-mit/internationals/urgent-care
- MIT MyLife Services
A free and confidential counseling and work-life resource benefit available to provide support, guidance, and resources to all faculty, staff, postdocs and family members. MyLife Services is available 24/7. Call 844-405-LIFE (5433) any time or email info@MITMyLifeServices.com.
- MIT Office of General Counsel
Guidance Concerning Cooperation with Immigration and Law Enforcement Agents (MIT certificate required)
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU has a web page with tips about what your rights are if you are stopped by the police or questioned about your immigration status.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Download AILA's flyers: "Know Your Rights" if ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Visits a Home, Employer, or Pubic Space.
- AILA New England Chapter
Download flyer: Know Your Rights: What to Do if You are Detained at a Port of Entry (F and J visa holders)
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
EFF's Pocket Guide to Protecting Your Data at the U.S. Border
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Directive on Border Searches of Electronic Devices
Last Updated: May 2022
