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. Azerbaijan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    27 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary and areas of increased risk were updated.

    Reconsider Travel to Azerbaijan due to terrorism, armed conflict, and risk of landmines. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do not travel to:

    • The southern border region due to risk of armed conflict (unless this is your best overland exit from Iran).
    • The border with Armenia due to risk of landmines.
    • The following territories due to landmines: Aghdam, Aghdara, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavend, Lachın, Shusha, and Zangilan

    Advisory Summary

    Armed Conflict
    Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. There was a March 5, 2026, drone strike on Nakhchivan International Airport. Commercial flights have also been seriously disrupted.

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

    Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and are a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They may target:

    • Tourist locations
    • Transportation centers (airports)
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Local government buildings
    • Hotels, clubs and restaurants
    • Places of worship
    • Parks
    • Major sporting and cultural events
    • Educational institutionsOther public areas
    • Other public areas

    Risks in specific areas
    Level 4 – Do not travel

    Border with Iran
    Do not travel     to the southern border region due to risk of armed conflict (unless this is your best overland exit from Iran).

    Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. U.S. citizens should avoid the southern border area unless this is your best overland exit from Iran.

    Border with Armenia
    Do not Travel     to the border with Armenia due to the risk of landmines

    Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout this region. Many of them are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.

    Exercise a high degree of caution on roads near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border:

    • Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice.
    • Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

    The U.S. government is unable to provide immediate emergency assistance to U.S. citizens because U.S. government employees working in Azerbaijan are prohibited from non-official travel to the border region. 

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    Landmine-contaminated regions in Azerbaijan

    • Do not travel to the following regions due to landmines: Aghdam, Aghdara, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Khankendi, Khojali, Khojavend, Lachın, Shusha, and Zangilan
    • Armed conflict has stopped in these regions, but landmines are still in the ground and remain dangerous.
    • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout this region. Many of them are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.
    • The U.S. government is unable to provide immediate emergency services to U.S. citizens in these regions because U.S. government employees need approval to travel there.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:

  1. Turkey - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    27 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise increased caution to Türkiye due to terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    • Exercise caution in crowded public spaces including transportation hubs, markets, malls, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, clubs, places of worship, educational institutions, parks, airports, and major events.
    • Reconsider travel to southeast Türkiye due to risk of armed conflict.
    • Do not travel to the border region with Syria and Iraq due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict.

    Advisory Summary
    On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Consulate Adana due to safety risks.

    The U.S. Consulate Adana has suspended all consular services. Americans should contact the U.S. Embassy Ankara or the U.S. Consulate General Istanbul for consular services.

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

    • Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Türkiye.
    • Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations.
    • Be cautious in transportation hubs, markets, malls, and government buildings, as well as hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, places of worship, and parks. Be careful in airports and at major events.

    Arbitrary Detentions

    • The Turkish government has detained and arrested individuals, including Americans, for alleged links to terrorist groups based on scant evidence and minimal due process.
    • Americans have also been subject to exit bans that prevent them from departing Türkiye.
    • Protests not approved by the Turkish government can lead to arrest, as can criticizing the government, including on social media.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level 3: Reconsider travel - Southeast Türkiye

    Reconsider travel to southeast Türkiye due to risk of armed conflict.

    Southeast Türkiye includes the provinces of Adana, Adiyaman, Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Elazig, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel (Mersin), Kilis, Kahramanmaras, Malatya, Mardin, Mus, Osmaniye, Siirt, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van.

    • Following the onset of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28, NATO air defenses have destroyed several Iranian ballistic missiles that had entered or were headed toward Turkish airspace.
    • On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members from Consulate Adana due to the safety risks.
    • U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire southeast region since the February 28, 2026, onset of hostilities.
    • U.S. Consulate Adana has suspended all consular services.
    • Americans should contact the U.S. Embassy Ankara or the U.S. Consulate General Istanbul for consular services.

    Level 4: Do not travel - Border Region with Syria and Iraq

    Do not travel within 10 km (6 miles) of Turkiye’s borders with Syria or Iraq for any reason, due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict.

    • There are heightened risks of anti-Western, specifically anti-U.S. or anti-Israel, sentiment. There is continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups.
    • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to Americans in the border regions with Syria and Iraq due to the safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Türkiye need special authorization to travel to these areas due to safety risks.

    If you decide to travel to Türkiye:  

    • 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 Türkiye.
    • Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas. 
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).  
    • Stay alert especially in tourist spots.
    • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
    • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the International Travel Checklist.

  1. Bolivia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    27 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to Chapare Province due to crime.

    Advisory Summary

    • U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province due to a higher incidence of crimes associated with narcotrafficking.
    • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist spots. Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • U.S. government employees working in Bolivia are encouraged to pay extra attention to their surroundings in El Alto because of petty crime.
    • Large demonstrations about local politics and the economic situation can happen with little warning. Demonstrations may block transportation and other essential services.
    • Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited in rural areas. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance for more information.
    • Consider the risk of traveling to high altitude locations in Bolivia.

    Level: 4 – Do not travel

    Chapare Province
    Do not travel     to Chapare Province due to crime.

    • Do not travel to Chapare Province for any reason.
    • Significant amounts of coca are produced illegally in Chapare province.  Local police presence is limited and there is a higher prevalence of violent crime associated with narcotrafficking.
    • U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province.
    • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chapare Province.
    • Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Bolivia:

    • 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.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • 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.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert in tourist spots.
    • Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable).  Leave originals in your hotel safe.
    • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • Check local media for breaking news.  Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Refer to our list of medical providers.
    • Review the CDC’s page on Travel to High Altitudes.
    • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
    • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Bolivia.  Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Bolivia.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Bolivia.
    • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.

External Resources