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
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:
- 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.
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Qatar - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
22 October 2026 | 7:00 pm
Reconsider travel
to Qatar due to risk of armed conflict.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Qatar. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.
Armed Conflict
Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.
Aviation Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar. This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region. The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.
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Iraq - Level 4: Do Not Travel
22 October 2026 | 7:00 pm
Do not travel
to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq.
Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq due to the safety risks.
Armed conflict
Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.
The Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel working in Iraq to live and work under strict security protocols due to serious threats. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.
Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Iraq.
Kidnapping
U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping.
Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq. Terrorists, including Iran-aligned militias and ISIS, encourage and conduct attacks against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Crime and armed conflict
Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. Targets of recent attacks have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports, and other locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities.
Health
Emergency and intensive care facilities in Iraq are limited and likely unavailable outside of the largest cities.
If you need emergency medical assistance, hospitals, doctors, ambulances, and medical supplies may be low quality or unavailable. Problems with transportation, roads, and safety can result in delays if you need medical evacuation.
Aviation safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting certain flights in the region. This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iraq.
- For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
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United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
22 October 2026 | 7:00 pm
Reconsider travel
to the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites due to UAE government restrictions and potential security risks. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.Armed Conflict
Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.
Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.
Aviation Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Local laws
Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior drug possession traffic violations; financial crimes video recording officials, members of the public, infrastructure, or military activity. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest, fines, or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates.