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. New Zealand - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    28 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand. New Zealand is generally a safe destination for travelers. 

    Review our country information page for additional information on travel to New Zealand.

    If you decide to travel to New Zealand:

  1. Bolivia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    27 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to Chapare Province due to crime.

    Advisory Summary

    • U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province due to a higher incidence of crimes associated with narcotrafficking.
    • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist spots. Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • U.S. government employees working in Bolivia are encouraged to pay extra attention to their surroundings in El Alto because of petty crime.
    • Large demonstrations about local politics and the economic situation can happen with little warning. Demonstrations may block transportation and other essential services.
    • Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited in rural areas. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance for more information.
    • Consider the risk of traveling to high altitude locations in Bolivia.

    Level: 4 – Do not travel

    Chapare Province
    Do not travel     to Chapare Province due to crime.

    • Do not travel to Chapare Province for any reason.
    • Significant amounts of coca are produced illegally in Chapare province.  Local police presence is limited and there is a higher prevalence of violent crime associated with narcotrafficking.
    • U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province.
    • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chapare Province.
    • Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Bolivia:

    • 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.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • 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.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert in tourist spots.
    • Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable).  Leave originals in your hotel safe.
    • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • Check local media for breaking news.  Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Refer to our list of medical providers.
    • Review the CDC’s page on Travel to High Altitudes.
    • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
    • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Bolivia.  Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Bolivia.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Bolivia.
    • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.

  1. Lithuania - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    27 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise normal precautions in Lithuania.

    Advisory summary

    Lithuania is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    Review our travel guidance for Lithuania to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Lithuania:

    • 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 Lithuania.
    • 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 Lithuania.  
    • 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. 
    • Any need for comments about Americans seeking to cross the Russian border into Kaliningrad or the bilateral border into Belarus?
    • Comment noted, Mr. Grondelski; because Lithuania is Level 1, we cannot reference it in the Travel Advisory, but we can add language on entry to Russia (Kaliningrad) and Belarus via Lithuania in the Lithuania DIP instead.

External Resources