Special Topics
EntryAssist
Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance
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Entry testing requirements
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Testing types and timing
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Proof of vaccination requirements
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)
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.
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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Belgium - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
14 November 2030 | 6:00 pm
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism.
Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:
- Tourist locations
- Transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train stations, mass transit)
- Markets and shopping malls
- Local government buildings
- Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
- Places of worship
- Parks
- Major sporting, music, and cultural events
- Schools
- Public areas
Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belgium.
If you decide to travel to Belgium:
- Stay alert in tourist spots.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Belgium.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
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Nepal - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
30 March 2026 | 7:00 pm
The advisory level decreased to 2. Advisory Summary was updated.
Exercise Increased Caution in Nepal due to civil unrest.
Advisory summary: The nationwide demonstrations that began in September 2025 have stopped, and the security situation is stable. However, demonstrations and local unrest can still happen, particularly in cities.
Demonstrations can start with little warning and may quickly turn violent. Stay away from large crowds and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Emergency services
Medical services have limited ability to handle regular and emergency care. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
Hospitals in Kathmandu are usually better than in other areas, but they can be crowded, may lack some equipment or medicines, and often ask that you pay before treatment. Medical treatment of foreigners is not paid for by the Government of Nepal.
Bring the medicines you need, get travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation, and understand you might need to go to another country for serious treatment.
Natural disasters
Nepal regularly experiences earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Earthquakes can happen suddenly with little warning, including in the Kathmandu Valley.
During the monsoon season from June to September, heavy rain can cause flash floods and landslides. These can block roads, damage buildings, and make it hard to get help in an emergency.
Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Nepal.
If you decide to travel to Nepal
- 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 Nepal.
- Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Nepal
- 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.
- Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
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Estonia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
30 March 2026 | 7:00 pm
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated
Exercise normal precautions in Estonia.
Advisory Summary
Estonia is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Review our travel guidance for Estonia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip
If you decide to travel to Estonia:
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- 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 Estonia.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Estonia.
- 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.
CISI Insurance
- All students 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.