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. 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.

  1. Vietnam - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    23 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.

    Exercise Normal Precautions in Vietnam.

    Advisory summary

    If you decide to travel to Vietnam:

  1. Jamaica - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    22 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level.  The “natural disaster” indicator was removed.  The advisory summary was updated.

    Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Reconsider travel to:

    • St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town due to risk of crime.
    • St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane due to risk of crime.
    • Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park due to risk of crime.
    • St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town due to risk of crime.
    • Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area due to risk of crime.
    • St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem due to risk of crime.
    • Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town due to risk of crime.
    • Manchester Parish - Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground due to risk of crime.
    • St. Thomas Parish - The Seaforth area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane) due to risk of crime.
    • Westmoreland Parish - Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar due to risk of crime.

    Advisory Summary

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to use public buses or drive between cities at night due to road conditions and safety risks. They are also not allowed to travel to areas with increased safety risks without prior authorization.

    • U.S. citizens in Jamaica should take the same precautions.

    Crime

    • Violent crime is a risk throughout Jamaica. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
    • Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.
    • Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common.
    • The U.S. embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.
    • U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents.
    • When arrests are made, cases are often not prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.

    Health

    Basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

    • Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients. They may not be able to provide specialized care.
    • Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs. They are not always readily available, especially in rural areas.
    • U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication. Common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain. Be sure to bring enough of your medications (including prescription and over-the-counter) to last the full duration of your trip.
    • U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply abroad.
    • Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
    • Air ambulance service to the United States costs approximately 30,000 USD as a minimum price.
    • We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance and confirm your coverage. Travel insurance should include medical insurance, evacuation assistance, and other trip coverage.
    • If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
    • The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

    St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town

    Reconsider travel to St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane

    Reconsider travel to St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park

    Reconsider travel to Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town

    Reconsider travel to St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area

    Reconsider travel to Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem

    Reconsider travel to St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    Kingston and St. Andrew Parish – August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent Area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town

    Reconsider travel to Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent Area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Kingston and St. Andrew Parish – August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent Area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    Manchester Parish – Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground

    Reconsider travel to Manchester Parish – Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Manchester Parish – Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    St. Thomas Parish – The Seaforth Area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane)

    Reconsider travel to St. Thomas Parish – The Seaforth Area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane) due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Thomas Parish – The Seaforth Area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane) without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    Westmoreland Parish – Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar

    Reconsider travel to Westmoreland Parish – Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar due to risk of crime.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Westmoreland Parish – Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

    If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences.
    • Avoid walking or driving at night.
    • Avoid public buses.
    • Avoid remote places.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
    • 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 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 Jamaica.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Jamaica.
    • 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.

External Resources