Resources and Emergency Protocol for International Scholars

    • 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.
    •  U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations allow CBP officials to request information about social media accounts, search your accounts, laptops, phones, tablets, and 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. 
    • 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.

    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 the International SOS website for details.

  • 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 the International SOS website for details.

  • 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.

Page last updated: February 2024