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. Bermuda - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Advisory summary

    Bermuda is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for Bermuda to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Bermuda:

  1. Barbados - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise normal precautions in Barbados.

    Barbados is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.

    Review our travel guidance for Barbados to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Barbados: 

    • 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.  
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Keep a low profile. 
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. 
    • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
    • Stay alert in tourist spots.  
    • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. 
    • Review the Country Security Report for Barbados.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Barbados.
    • 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. Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    8 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    The advisory level remains at 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

    Reconsider travel to Oman due to the risk of terrorism and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.

    Advisory summary
    On March 13, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Oman due to safety risks.

    Armed Conflict
    Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.

    Terrorism
    There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks in Oman. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

    Terrorism is a concern in Oman. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles.

    Potential targets include:

    • Important political, cultural, or religious locations
    • Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners
    • Tourist locations and large gatherings
    • Transportation hubs
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Entertainment venues
    • Government facilities

    Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region.

    Aviation Safety
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing Special Federal Aviation Regulation and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Yemen. For more information Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level 4 - Do Not Travel - The Yemen border region

    Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.

    Do not travel to this area for any reason.

    Terrorist attacks and armed conflict continue in Yemen. Crossing the Oman-Yemen border can be dangerous. Americans who attempt to cross the border, from either Oman or Yemen, may be detained by Omani authorities.

    For more information visit Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Oman:

External Resources