Current Notifications
October 20, U.S. State Department issues worldwide caution notification
The U.S. State Department issued a Worldwide Caution notification today due to increased tensions around the world. It did not single out a specific event or region.
You do not need to take any extra precautions, though you are reminded to continue following best practices for staying safe in Stockholm and review what to do in case of an emergency. We remind you of the importance of registering your independent travel with DIS and the US Department of State’s STEP, or your embassy’s similar program, to be sure to receive the most up to date notices of the situation on the ground in each location you plan to visit.
DIS will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated should recommendations change. Neither the U.S. embassy nor local officials have issued an alert. Please contact the DIS Care Team or emergency phone, should you need any support.
To keep updated with local news in English, we recommend the following sites:
September 20, Police Press Conference
There have recently been news reports of shootings in Uppsala and Stockholm. Yesterday, in a press conference, police reported that several arrests have been made. The police believe there is no threat to the general public, as the victims have been targeted due to their connection to local criminal networks. The Swedish government and local police have announced they will be taking extra measures (both long and short term) to prevent further incidents. As part of these measures, a special Task Force is being established and police will and have been more visibly present in the streets of Stockholm and Uppsala.
You do not need to take any extra precautions, though you are reminded to continue following best practices for staying safe in Stockholm and review what to do in case of an emergency. DIS will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated should recommendations change. The U.S. Embassy has not issued an alert related to the incidents.
In order for DIS to be able to contact you in urgent situations, please make sure your DIS Navigate app notifications are turned on and you have a working cell phone number on file in your DIS Registration Portal.
To keep updated with local news in English, we recommend the following sites:
August 18, Security Alert from U.S. Embassy in Stockholm
The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm issued a new security alert regarding “possible retaliatory attacks by terrorists in the wake of recent Quran burning incidents in Sweden.”
U.S. citizens are advised to:
- avoid crowds
- use caution when in, and around, all diplomatic facilities
- keep a low profile
- be aware of their surroundings
- monitor local media for updates
- report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities
Fall 2023 students will have received this notice directly as part of their registration with the U.S. DOS STEP program.
The Swedish authorities have raised the threat level from three to four (out of five possible levels) and has increased border security.
DIS continues to carefully monitor the situation in line with our emergency response and contingency plan. We understand that a security alert may cause heightened emotions especially as you are just arriving, and we want to remind you that our Care Team is available to support you. You may contact them by emailing care@disstockholm.se or by making an appointment through the DIS Navigate app.
Resources for your semester
Staying healthy while abroad
Please stay home if you are sick and coordinate with your faculty ASAP and preferably before missing class for the absence to be excused. You will need to keep up with course requirements while out sick if your health allows.
There are no Swedish masking, testing or isolation requirements related to COVID-19. Thus, if you suspect you have COVID-19 or test positive, you are advised simply to stay home. There is no need to move out of your housing or to isolate.
If you have any questions about your health or accessing the Swedish health system, please email care@disstockholm.se and academics@disstockholm.se for academic support needs. If you have after-hour emergency needs, call the DIS emergency phone at (+46) 72 141 2862.
Bias information and education
DIS takes bias incidents and discrimination very seriously, so we developed a tool for you to inform us about bias-related incidents involving you or another DIS student, whether at DIS or in the public.
View more information on the DIS Website: