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. Anguilla - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    21 May 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Exercise normal precautions in Anguilla.

    Advisory summary

    Anguilla is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    If you decide to travel to Anguilla:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for the Eastern Caribbean.
    • Before you leave the United States for Anguilla, carefully check your luggage for any loose ammunition or weapons you may have forgotten. Review our information on Local Laws and Customs in Anguilla.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Anguilla.
    • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
    • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

  1. British Virgin Islands - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    21 May 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Exercise normal precautions in the British Virgin Islands.

    Advisory summary

    British Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    If you decide to travel to British Virgin Islands:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for the Eastern Caribbean.
    • Before you leave the United States for British Virgin Islands, carefully check your luggage for any loose ammunition or weapons you may have forgotten. Review our information on Local Laws and Customs in British Virgin Islands.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for British Virgin Islands.
    • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
    • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

  1. Timor-Leste - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    20 May 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Exercise Increased Caution in Timor-Leste due to risk of unrest and crime. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Advisory summary

    • Police in Timor-Leste sometimes use force and tear gas against protestors. 
    • Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest. 
    • Sex-based violence and sexual harassment are common in Timor-Leste.

    If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Timor-Leste.
    • Keep a low profile
    • Always be aware of your personal safety and security. 
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Avoid demonstrations or crowds
    • Keep travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Timor-Leste.
    • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist. 
    • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

External Resources