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

Open All

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. Mongolia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    28 July 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise normal precautions in Mongolia.

    Advisory summary

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

    If you decide to travel to Mongolia:   

  1. Kenya - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    27 July 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level. The “other” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

    Increased Risk Areas:

    • Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping.
    • Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism.
    • Do Not Travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime.
    • Do Not Travel to Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest.

    Advisory Summary:

    Crime

    Violent crime can occur at any time. Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping for ransom. Petty crime is common. Criminal fraud targeting Americans is a concern.

    • Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes.
    • Crimes like robbery are common. They are often committed by individuals riding motorcycles.
    • Solo travelers in particular should exercise caution. Some Americans have been victims of sexual assault in bars and resorts/hotels.
    • Petty crimes often occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted.
    • Schemes to defraud investors are common. Americans often fall victim to schemes involving transactions in gold and other high-value commodities. Kenyan authorities are unlikely to assist Americans in recovering losses.
    • Property disputes are common in Kenya. Americans who have bought land, churches, and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business.

    Kidnapping

    Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping.

    Terrorism

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

    Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults, suicide attacks, and other action in Kenya. Terrorists attack without warning. They have targeted:

    • Kenyan and foreign government buildings
    • tourist locations
    • transportation hubs
    • hotels and resorts
    • markets and shopping malls
    • places of worship

    Unrest

    Cross-border incursions occur along the border with Ethiopia.

    Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They can turn violent.

    Protests often block key intersections and highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Protestors have also attacked vehicles containing Americans, including motorcycle taxis and safari vehicles.

    Violence during protests has occurred across Kenya. This includes rock-throwing by protesters and use of deadly force by police. Violent protests are most common in Nairobi and in western Kenya.

    Health

    Medical services in Kenya are limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. Medical facilities in Kenya often lack sufficient medicine and equipment. Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your expense. Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront.

    Some schools, substance abuse centers, and other facilities claim to rehabilitate people, but operate with little or no government supervision. Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places. Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will.

    Americans or residents who lure individuals to Kenya under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such rehabilitation facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States.

    Traffic safety

    Automobile accidents are one of the main causes of injury and death of Americans in Kenya. Major highways between Nairobi and Nakuru and Nairobi and Mombasa are only two lanes, and drivers frequently pass with little attention to oncoming traffic. Tourists, who may not always use seatbelts, have also been seriously injured or killed in safari vehicle accident.

    Risks in specific areas:

    Level 4 – Do Not Travel
    Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera

    Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping.

    Violent crime, including armed carjacking and kidnapping for ransom, may occur in these neighborhoods.

    Level 4 – Do Not Travel
    Counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi

    Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103) and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism.

    Al-Shabaab is active in these areas. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups kidnap for ransom.

    Level 4 – Do Not Travel
    West Pokot County and western Turkana County

    Do Not Travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime.

    Armed bandits are active in these areas. Violent crime can occur at any time. Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes.

    Level 4 – Do Not Travel
    Marsabit     and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia

    Do Not Travel to Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest.

    These areas are prone to cross-border incursions from Ethiopia. Violence and armed conflict may occur at any time.

    If you decide to travel to Kenya:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Kenya.
    • Review our information Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
    • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • Stay alert in tourist spots.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you'll confirm you're safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this.
    • Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney.
    • Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
    • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • 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 when visiting banks or ATMs.
    • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Kenya.
    • 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. The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    27 July 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.

    Advisory summary

    Crime
    Violent crime, including armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.

    Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.

    Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.

    Jet skis, boating, and licenses

    • Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
    • There have been reports of sexual assaults by jet ski operators.
    • Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees are not allowed to use or rent jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands. 
    • Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
    • Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.
    • Do not operate a fishing boat or other charter in Bahamian waters without a license from The Bahamas Port Department. Police have detained American boaters and seized their vessels. Penalties include a fine of up to $100,000 and 3 years in prison.

    Beach safety

    • Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore. 
    • Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
    • Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities.  
    • If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.  
    • Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injury and death. 
    • Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.

    Weapons and ammunition
    Firearms and ammunition are illegal, including small quantities in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving.

    Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines.  

    Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving.

    Hurricanes
    The Bahamas regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in The Bahamas.

    Review our Travel Guidance for The Bahamas to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:

    • 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 our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Review the Country Security Report for The Bahamas.
    • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
    • Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Visit The Bahamas Port Department’s website if you plan to operate a charter or sail in Bahamian waters.
    • Always check your personal belongings. Officials have detained travelers entering and exiting the country for carrying guns, ammunition, or other prohibited items.
    • You must follow local laws abroad. If you break laws in The Bahamas – even by mistake – you could face deportation, fines, or imprisonment.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for The Bahamas.
    • 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