International

Planning

EntryAssist

Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance

  • Entry testing requirements

  • Testing types and timing

  • Proof of vaccination requirements

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International Travel Posts

  1. New UW System International Receipt Form

    September 7, 2022

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. Vanuatu - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    21 May 2025 | 7:00 pm

    Updated to reflect lowering the Travel Advisory Level from Level 3 to Level 1 due to ongoing recovery efforts and removal of the Natural Disaster (N) indicator.

    Exercise normal precautions in Vanuatu.

    Country Summary: Infrastructure and roads in Port Vila and the surrounding area were damaged during the December 2024 earthquake, with repairs in progress.

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

    If you decide to travel to Vanuatu:

    • Monitor local reports and updates from the Vanuatu government and follow all instructions from local authorities.
    • Be aware that some areas may still be undergoing repairs, and access could be restricted. 
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
    • Review the Country Security Report for Vanuatu.   
    • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 
    • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.    

  1. Liechtenstein - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    21 May 2025 | 7:00 pm

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise normal precautions in Liechtenstein.

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

    If you decide to travel to Liechtenstein:

  1. Belgium - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    21 May 2025 | 7:00 pm

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism.

    Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium.

    Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:

    • Tourist locations
    • Transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train stations, mass transit)
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Local government buildings
    • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
    • Places of worship
    • Parks
    • Major sporting, music, and cultural events
    • Schools
    • Public areas

    Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

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

    If you decide to travel to Belgium:

    • Stay alert in tourist spots. 
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
    • Review the Country Security Report for Belgium. 
    • Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 
    • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
    • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

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