International

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Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance

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  • 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. Kyrgyzstan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level. The "unrest” risk indicator was added, and the “other” risk indicator was removed. Advisory Summary was updated.

    Exercise normal precautions in the Kyrgyz Republic. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Advisory Summary
    The Kyrgyz Republic is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    Review our travel guidance for the Kyrgyz Republic to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    U.S. government employees working in the Kyrgyz Republic need special authorization to travel to the Batken province due to safety risks.

    Unrest
    U.S. citizen safety may be threatened by political, economic, religious, or other instability and violence. Demonstrations, protests, or armed conflict may threaten your physical safety and prevent you from accessing help or evacuating the area.

    If you decide to travel to the Kyrgyz Republic:

    • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
    • 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 the Kyrgyz Republic.
    • Whether you are a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for the Kyrgyz Republic. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

    Level 2: Exercise increased caution - Border Region with Tajikistan 

    Exercise increased caution in areas within 30 kilometers of the border with Tajikistan. On March 13, 2025, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan signed a bilateral agreement to resume cross-border movement, but the status of the border crossings may change with short notice.

    • There are 2 checkpoints on the border that are open for transit.
    • There are no travel restrictions for U.S. citizens crossing the border.
    • Visitors to the Batken region, especially the Batken and Leilek districts, should remain cautious. There is a recent history of border clashes, so stay vigilant.

    U.S. government employees working in the Kyrgyz Republic need special authorization to travel to the Batken province due to safety risks.

  1. Slovakia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

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

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

    If you decide to travel to Slovakia

  1. Niger - Level 4: Do Not Travel

    28 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

    Do not travel

    to Niger for any reason due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping. 

    On January 30, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Niger due to safety risks. 

    The U.S. government cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Niamey due to safety risks.

    A state of emergency and movement restrictions are in place in many regions throughout Niger.

    • Nigerien authorities require military escorts for any foreigners traveling outside Niamey, including U.S. government personnel.
    • Areas under a state of emergency are off-limits and subject to change.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions
    U.S. government employees working in Niger must:

    • Travel in armored vehicles for all movements, and
    • Observe a mandatory curfew.

    All restaurants and open-air markets are off-limits to U.S. government employees working in Niger.

    U.S. citizens in Niger are advised to take the same precautions.

    Terrorism
    There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Niger. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

    Terrorists continue to plot attacks and use kidnapping for ransom as a business model. They target vulnerable groups and U.S. interests.

    Terrorists and their supporters are active in planning kidnappings in Niger and they may attack anywhere. Recent attacks and kidnappings have occurred in:

    • Niamey
    • The Malian border area (Tillabéri Region, Tri-Border Zone)
    • The Diffa Region (Lake Chad Basin)
    • Northern Agadez
    • The southern border corridor along the Niger-Benin oil pipeline

    Kidnapping
    Terrorist groups continue planning kidnappings of foreigners in Niger.

    Crime
    Violent crimes can happen at any time. Crimes include armed robbery and residential break-ins.

    Unrest
    Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays and during large events.

    • Demonstrations can be unpredictable.
    • The Nigerien government limits or does not authorize large gatherings. It increases security presence around planned protests. This includes stationary checkpoints and roadblocks.

    Health
    Medical services in Niger are limited. Adequate trauma and ambulance services are not widely available. There is limited access to medicines including antibiotics. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at your expense.

    • Find out if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 
    • If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims. 
    • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

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