International Travel

UW International Resources

Special Topics

CISI Insurance

  • All students travelling in association with a University of Wisconsin campus must register for CISI Insurance prior to any university-sponsored international travel.
  • UW Madison and UW Stout students and employees must register for CISI insurance prior to beginning an international trip.
  • It is recommended to contact your campus International Education Office or Risk Management Office to enroll in CISI insurance.

Visa/Passport Services

For expedited processing, we have partnered with CIBT Visas, the largest travel visa and passport company in the world. University of Wisconsin students, faculty and administrators are entitled to significantly reduced CIBT processing fees. CIBT’s Customer Care Center is available toll free at 800-577-2428 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The CIBT dedicated portal for the University of Wisconsin can be found at: cibtvisas.com/wisconsin

The account code is 29249, please reference this number if contacting CIBT via phone.

 

International Travel FAQ

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Travelers should first check Concur for lodging arrangements. If no suitable options are available, travelers may book with a lodging establishment of their choosing so long as the rate is below the rate maximum for the location. Acceptable lodging includes: hotels, hostels and Airbnb. In-kind lodging is allowable, but no expenses may be submitted for reimbursement if this lodging method is chosen. 

Air travel must be booked with the designated agency. International flights in excess of 8 hours may book Premium Economy seats.

Exception: If the traveler is purchasing the airfare while in travel status, outside of the United States, to a destination other than the United States, the airfare may be purchased directly with the air carrier. Third party sites (such as Expedia) are still non-reimbursable. 

All international faculty/staff travelers are strongly encouraged to register for CISI insurance. Students are required to register for this insurance.  Contact your risk management or international education office for registration instructions. 

Other travel insurances are not required, recommended or reimbursable. 

Car Rental Insurance:

    1. UW Risk Management recommends purchasing insurance with all international rentals.

Special Considerations for International Travel can be found in the Miscellaneous Travel Expenses Policy. Receipts are required regardless of cost for the below items.

Reimbursable costs associated with Foreign/International travel:

  • Cost of testing required for travel (i.e. COVID testing)
  • Travel visas
  • required inoculations/vaccinations
  • foreign transaction fees incurred on corporate cards
  • business communications, including international calling plans when accompanied by business justification (individual phone calls are part of the M&IE per diem allowance)

U.S. Department of State RSS Feed

As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination.

  1. French Polynesia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    1 December 2026 | 6:00 pm

    Exercise normal precaution

    in French Polynesia.

    Review the travel guidance section for additional information on travel to French Polynesia.

  1. The West Bank - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    25 October 2026 | 7:00 pm

    Reconsider travel

    to the West Bank due to terrorism and unrest.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization for official travel to the West Bank due to safety risks.

    U.S. government employees working in Israel and their family members are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:

    • Travel on Routes 1, 90 (to the Allenby Bridge crossing), and 443 at any time. 
    • Travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour from dawn to midnight.
      • Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb is the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members.  This is due to continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank.

    Due to increased security threats, additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice.  

    Terrorism

    During the last year, there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the West Bank.

    There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in West Bank. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

    Unrest

    During the last year, there has been an increase in violence and Israeli military operations in the West Bank. Some incidents have resulted in injury or the death of U.S. citizens.

    During periods of unrest, the Israeli government may restrict access to and within the West Bank. Some areas may be placed under curfew.

  1. France - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    20 October 2026 | 7:00 pm

    Exercise increased caution

    in France due to terrorism and unrest.

    Violence and rioting have recently occurred in France and may continue. Avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest.  Stay away from areas with large crowds or significant police activity.

    Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France. 

    Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as: 

    • Airports 
    • Subways and train cars 
    • Tourist attractions 
    • Train stations 

    Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Possible targets include: 

    • Tourist locations 
    • Transportation hubs and airports 
    • Markets and shopping malls 
    • Local government facilities 
    • Hotels, restaurants, and clubs 
    • Places of worship 
    • Major sporting and cultural events 
    • Educational institutions 
    • Parks 
    • Other public areas 

    Demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France. 

    • Protests can disrupt transportation services. 
    • Protests have turned violent or caused property damage. 
    • Police may respond with force, including water cannons and tear gas. 

External Resources