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. Central African Republic - Level 4: Do Not Travel

    16 May 2031 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level. The “Health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.
     
    Do not travel to the Central African Republic due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health, and terrorism.

    Advisory summary

    The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic.

    • U.S. government employees working in the Central African Republic must get special authorization to travel outside of Bangui. They are required to travel in armored vehicles in Bangui and are subject to a curfew.
    • Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Central African Republic.

    Unrest

    There is a continuing risk of civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence. This includes renewed outbreaks of armed conflict occurring throughout the country.

    • Unrest can happen in the capital of Bangui.
    • Armed groups and opposition forces control large areas of the country. They regularly kidnap, injure, or kill civilians.
    • Airport, land border crossings, and road closures may occur without warning.

    Crime

    Violent crime is common. It includes homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated battery, and larceny.

    Kidnapping

    Criminal gangs and armed groups kidnap for ransom on a frequent basis, mainly outside of Bangui. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping.

    Other - Landmines

    Unexploded landmines are unmarked. They are a known risk. Landmines may be present anywhere outside Bangui, particularly:

    Health

    Medical services in the Central African Republic are extremely limited. There is no adequate medical treatment available for routine and emergency procedures. Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at your expense.

    • Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 
    • If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims. 
    • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

    Vaccinations

    Make sure you are up to date on all routine vaccines before every trip.  Travelers are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers (at least 9 months old). CDC recommends that travelers going to the Central African Republic take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.

    Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

    Terrorism

    Ineffective border controls may allow criminal and terrorist groups to seek temporary refuge in the Central African Republic. Be alert to your surroundings. Terrorists can attack without warning. They may target foreign and local government facilities as well as tourist areas.

    For citizens in the Central African Republic:

    • Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
    • Review our information on Terrorism.
    • There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Central African Republic. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
    • Due to the risk of landmines, avoid travel to rebel-controlled areas near the border with Cameroon and Chad.
    • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • Stay alert in tourist spots.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you'll confirm you're safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this.
    • Draft a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney.
    • Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
    • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
    • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
    • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
    • Bring enough supply of over the counter and prescription medicines to cover the duration of the trip.
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for CAR.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for CAR.
    • 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. Timor-Leste - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    18 December 2030 | 6:00 pm

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to crime and civil unrest.

    Country Summary: Timor-Leste has seen isolated instances of police responding to protests with force and the use of tear gas.

    Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest.  Sex-based violence is high in Timor-Leste and sexual harassment is fairly common.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Timor-Leste.

    If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste:

    • Keep a low profile.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Avoid demonstrations or crowds.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. 
    • 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 Timor-Leste.
    • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.   
    • We highly recommend you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

  1. Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    8 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    The advisory level remains at 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

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

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

    Advisory summary
    On March 13, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Oman due to 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 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.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level 4 - Do Not Travel - The Yemen border region

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

    Do not travel to this area for any reason.

    Terrorist attacks and armed conflict continue in Yemen. Crossing the Oman-Yemen border can be dangerous. Americans who attempt to cross the border, from either Oman or Yemen, may be detained by Omani authorities.

    For more information visit Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Oman:

External Resources