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

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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. Kuwait - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    27 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.

    Advisory summary
    On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Kuwait due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait due to the 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 aviation has also been seriously disrupted.

    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 Kuwait. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.

    Crime

    • Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
    • The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.

    Landmines

    • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq.
    • The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are not marked, so it can be exceptionally hard to know where they are.
    • There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
    • Do not travel to areas that are “off the beaten path.” Do not touch or move objects in those area as they could explode.

    For U.S. citizens in Kuwait:

    • 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 Kuwait.
    • Visit our website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
    • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.  Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol.  Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
    • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
    • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.

  1. Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    26 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

    Reconsider travel

    to Oman due to the risk of terrorism and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    On June 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Oman due to safety risks. This replaces the previous ordered departure status which is no longer in effect.

    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.

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

  1. El Salvador - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    24 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Advisory Summary

    U.S. government employees working in El Salvador are allowed to travel throughout the country during daylight hours. However, due to road conditions, hilly terrain, possible landslides during the rainy season, and general lack of streetlights, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities or departments (the Salvadoran equivalent of states) at night. Gang activity has decreased dramatically since 2022, causing a drop in violent crime and murders.

    There are exceptions. U.S. government employees are allowed to travel at all hours between San Salvador and:

    • El Salvador’s international airport
    • La Libertad department

    U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public buses.

    • Review our travel guidance for El Salvador to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    State of Exemption

    In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in gang murders:

    • The State of Exception allows local authorities to arrest anyone they think is involved in gang activity.
    • It suspends several constitutional rights. This includes the normal protections of criminal procedure, such as the right to a speedy trial and access to counsel.
    • Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the State of Exception, all awaiting trial.

    Several U.S. citizens have been detained under the State of Exception. They have yet to face trial. The State of Exception is still in place.

    If you decide to travel to El Salvador:

    • 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 El Salvador.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for El Salvador.
    • 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 our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • You are subject to local laws when traveling abroad. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your release when you are detained or arrested abroad.
    • Visit our page regarding Arrest and Detention Abroad for more information on what happens when you or a loved one is arrested abroad.
    • El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained for having any level of alcohol while driving. Do not drink and drive.
    • Always use major highways and roads.
    • Minimize travel outside of major cities at night.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • When possible, travel in pairs or in groups.
    • Do not hitchhike.
    • Ensure you have multiple forms of communication when traveling and the ability to charge your devices.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in backcountry areas.
    • Use caution when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches. Follow water condition warnings (such as red and black flags) and be aware of riptides. Use extra caution when visiting beaches that do not have the flag warning system. When in doubt, stay out of the water.

External Resources