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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. Sierra Leone - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    14 September 2025 | 7:00 pm

    Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.

    Advisory Summary: 

    Crime
    Violent crimes, such as robbery and assault, occur frequently in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.

    Do not travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall. There are increased safety hazards and security concerns at night. U.S. government employees in Sierra Leone are prohibited from travel outside the capital after dark. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown cannot offer emergency services outside Freetown at night.

    Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

    Unrest
    Demonstrations and protests occur in Sierra Leone and occasionally result in violence. Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues, large events, or holidays.

    Health
    Sierra Leone’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.

    Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Review our information on Travel Insurance.

    If you decide to travel to Sierra Leone:

    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches, jewelry, or smartphones.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Sierra Leone. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Sierra Leone.
    • 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 Sierra Leone.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Sierra Leone.
    • 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. Nepal - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    10 September 2025 | 7:00 pm

    Reconsider travel to Nepal due to civil unrest.

    Advisory summary

    Large protests and significant demonstrations in Nepal on September 8-9, 2025, turned violent.

    • These events caused deaths and injuries. Local authorities have declared curfews in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • Additional protests and curfews could happen with little warning.
    • Follow local authorities’ instructions. Stay away from areas with protests, unrest, or large gatherings.

    Emergency services

    Emergency services in Nepal have limited ability to respond to personal emergencies. Their response may be delayed. Some hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara were set on fire during the unrest.

    • Check with your hotel, airline, or tour operator for the latest updates before traveling.
    • Make sure to confirm your travel plans with your airline before departing for the airport.

    U.S. citizens with emergencies:

    The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nepal.  

    • If you decide to travel to Nepal: Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
    • Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Prepare to evacuate hotels at a moment’s notice.
    • Follow the instructions of local authorities. 
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
    • 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 Nepal. 
    • 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 Travel to High-Risk Areas.

  1. Armenia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    4 September 2025 | 7:00 pm

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of potential armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel To These Areas for Any Reason:

    • The border region with Azerbaijan.

    U.S. Embassy employees and their families cannot travel to these areas for non-essential reasons:

    • Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis
    • Syunik region east of Goris
    • Syunik region south of Kapan

    Travel through Yeraskh village in Ararat region is allowed, stopping is not.

    Country Summary:

    U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Armenia. Further military activity could occur in the region.  

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Armenia.

    If you decide to travel to Armenia:

    Border with Azerbaijan – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    Past military action has occurred near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and there is potential for armed conflict in the area. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Some parts of the road may cross international borders without warning. Checkpoints may control roads or authorities may close them to travelers without notice.  The U.S. embassy does not allow embassy employees and their families to travel for non-essential reasons to the border region, as well as other areas of Armenia listed in this Travel Advisory.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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