International Travel

⚠️ ENROLLMENT NOTICE TO TRAVELERS

The annual renewal of UW’s CISI International Medical, Travel and Security Assistance Insurance Program is underway and will become effective on October 15, 2026. Because of this, travelers are currently not able to enroll in CISI coverage for trips departing on or after October 15, 2026 until the renewal process has been completed. Completion is expected in early October 2026.

If you attempt to enroll a trip departing on or after October 15, 2026 before the CISI renewal is completed, you will receive the following error message:

“Matching Policy Not Found”

Once the renewal of UW’s CISI insurance program is complete, enrollments for trips departing on or after October 15, 2026 may proceed using the enrollment options provided below on this page.

If you require documentation of international medical insurance for purposes of obtaining a travel visa before CISI enrollment becomes available, please contact CISI Client Services directly at
enrollments@culturalinsurance.com.
CISI may provide a temporary Consulate Letter documenting future medical insurance coverage for visa application purposes prior to enrollment in UW’s CISI International Medical, Travel and Security Assistance Insurance Program.

Your patience with this administrative inconvenience is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

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. Serbia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    26 August 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise increased caution in Serbia due to crime.

    Advisory summary

    Crime can occur anywhere in Serbia. Police may take longer to respond than they do in the United States.

    Crime

    • Violence associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events is common.
    • 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.

    If you decide to travel to Serbia:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. 
    • Review the Country Security Report for Serbia.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Follow the instructions of local authorities.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Serbia.  
    • 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. Bosnia and Herzegovina - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    26 August 2026 | 7:00 pm

    Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to risk of crime, landmines, and terrorism.

    Advisory summary

    • Recent unrest has been politically related. While it has not impacted tourists or members of the international community, there is a risk that bystanders can be affected.
    • Review our Travel Guidance for Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    Crime

    • Sarajevo has a high rate of property-related crime, including robberies, residential and vehicle break-ins, and theft.
    • 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.

    Other

    • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    • While suspected hazardous areas are normally clearly marked, deaths from explosions have occurred as recently as August 2025.

    Terrorism  

    • There is risk of terrorist violence, such as terrorist attacks and other activity in the Balkans region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
    • Visit the U.S. Department of State's Bosnia and Herzegovina country reports on terrorism to learn more.

    If you decide to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina:

  1. Montenegro - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    26 August 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise normal precautions in Montenegro.

    Advisory summary

    Montenegro is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    • Review our Travel Guidance for Montenegro to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Montenegro:

External Resources