International

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Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance

  • Entry testing requirements

  • Testing types and timing

  • Proof of vaccination requirements

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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)

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.

  1. Finland - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    12 March 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise normal precautions in Finland.

    If you decide to travel to Finland:

    • 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 Finland.
    • 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.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Finland. 
    • 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.
    • Review the country information page for additional information on travel to Finland.

  1. Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    12 March 2026 | 7:00 pm

    The advisory level remains at 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

    Reconsider travel to Oman due to risk of armed conflict and terrorism.

    Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.

    Advisory summary

    On March 13, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Oman due to safety risks.

    Armed Conflict

    Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.

    Terrorism

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

    Terrorism is a concern in Oman. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles.

    Potential targets include:

    • Important political, cultural, or religious locations
    • Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners
    • Tourist locations and large gatherings
    • Transportation hubs
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Entertainment venues
    • Government facilities

    Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region.

    Aviation Safety

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing Special Federal Aviation Regulation and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Yemen. For more information Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level 4 – Do Not Travel

    The Yemen border region

    Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.

    Do not travel to this area for any reason.

    Terrorist attacks and armed conflict continue in Yemen. Crossing the Oman-Yemen border can be dangerous. Americans who attempt to cross the border, from either Oman or Yemen, may be detained by Omani authorities.

    Review our information on  Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Oman:

  1. Saudi Arabia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    12 March 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of Terrorism.

    Advisory summary

    On March 8, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks.

    This amends the prior on March 3, 2026, Department of State authorization order for non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks.  

    Armed conflict

    Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights are operational from Saudi Arabia though have been significantly disrupted.  

    The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia due to the safety risks.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions near Yemen

    • U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks.
    • U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-official travel due to safety risks.
    • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Yemen border region due to the safety risks.
    • U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take the same precautions.

    Terrorism

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

    Terrorism is a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles.  

    Potential targets include:

    • Important political, cultural, or religious locations
    • Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners
    • Tourist locations and large gatherings
    • Hotels, and locations where American citizens gather
    • Transportation hubs
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Entertainment venues
    • Government facilities

    Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region.

    Missile and drone attacks from Iran and threats from Houthis in Yemen.

    Iran has launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia. Attacks have targeted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic, and energy facilities throughout the country.

    Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again.

    Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles are also a risk. U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may be at increased risk, especially closer to the Yemen border.

    Exercise increased caution due to exit bans

    U.S. citizens have been prevented from leaving Saudi Arabia. Exit bans may be related to pending criminal and civil investigations and cases, including, but not limited to unpaid visa overstay fees, domestic family disputes, and other financial and labor disagreements.

    • Exit bans prevent individuals from leaving the country. These can last for many years.
    • In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled.

    Exercise increased caution due to local laws

    • Saudi authorities may detain you if they consider your social media posts or other online activity to be critical, offensive, or disruptive to the public order.
    • U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity, including comments posted while outside of Saudi Arabia. This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments critical of the Saudi government or its leaders and policies. This also may apply to comments about public life or religion in Saudi Arabia.
    • Local laws against cybercrime and terrorism may be used to prosecute cases related to social media use.
    • Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Local authorities may not take into account when, where, or in what context posts are made.
    • You are subject to local laws when traveling in Saudi Arabia.  If you break laws in Saudi Arabia – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, imprisoned, or subject to an exit ban. Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or even years without charges.

    Aviation safety

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (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 Saudi Arabia.  Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level: 4 – Do not travel

    The Yemen border region

    Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of Terrorism.

    Armed groups in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets. People near the border with Yemen are at increased risk.

    • U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks.
    • Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including Qatif.
    • U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-essential travel due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to Qatif due to safety risks.
    • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to safety risks.
    • U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take the same precautions.

    For U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia:

    • 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.
    • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Many prescription medications need prior approval before bringing into or taking out of Saudi Arabia. Before you travel, register any listed prescriptions at the Controlled Drug System (CDS) website. This approval process may take several weeks.
    • Review our information on  Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert in large crowds or tourist spots.
    • Avoid public displays of affection, particularly between same-sex couples.
    • Visit Saudi Arabia’s website for information about public decency regulations.
    • Do not carry, produce, use, or distribute illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia.
    • Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrests.
    • Review our information for Gay and Lesbian travelers.
    • Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or past content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in Saudi Arabia. Do not post, share, or like such content while in Saudi Arabia. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices.   
    • Visit our page regarding Arrest or Detention Abroad for more information on what happens when you or a loved one are arrested abroad.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest Travel Health Information for Saudi Arabia.
    • 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.
    • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.

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.

UW International Resources

External Resources