International

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  • Testing types and timing

  • Proof of vaccination requirements

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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. Sri Lanka - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    23 January 2029 | 6:00 pm

    There were no changes to the advisory level.  The Other risk indicator was added.  Advisory summary was updated

    Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to unrest, terrorism, and landmines. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Advisory Summary: 

    Demonstrations
    Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka can happen at any time.

    • Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters.
    • Avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones.
    • Protests could turn violent with little or no warning.

    Terrorism
    Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning.

    They may target:

    • Tourist locations
    • Transportation hubs
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Government buildings
    • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
    • Places of worship
    • Parks
    • Major sporting and cultural events
    • Schools and hospitals
    • Airports
    • Other public areas

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

    Land mines

    Approximately 23 square kilometers of Sri Lanka have land mines left from its civil war. Most land mines have been cleared, but some areas in northern and eastern Sri Lanka are still dangerous. The highest concentration is in the northern districts of the Northern Province. This territory has dense forests and rough terrain. Warning signs with the international land mine symbol mark the areas of greatest risk. The symbol shows a skull and crossbones in a red, upside-down triangle. White markers indicate cleared land.

     If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka: 

    • There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Sri Lanka. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
    • Avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance in certain areas of northern and eastern Sri Lanka, with the highest concentration of affected areas in the in the northern districts of the Northern Province.
    • Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
    • Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Sri Lanka.
    • Follow the instructions of local authorities. 
    • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to  adjust your plans.
    • 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 Sri Lanka. 
    • 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. Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    25 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

    Reconsider travel

    to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    There is risk of terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

    Terrorism
    Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad. 

    • Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings.

    Demonstrations
    Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.

    • Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.
    • U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials.
    • Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.

    Crime
    Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid. It sometimes changes without notice and can be a serious threat.

    • There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities. Security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.
    • The most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft. 

    Limited U.S. consular assistance
    The Government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan.

    • U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are required to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel.  
    • The U.S. government has a limited ability to assist or provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
    • U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
    • Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time. This depends on local circumstances and security conditions. 
    • U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are generally prohibited from attending most large gatherings, such as political rallies or religious ceremonies. 

    Dual nationals
    The U.S. embassy and consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan.

    Do Not Travel to:

    • Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping.
    • The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

  1. Uzbekistan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    25 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

    Exercise normal precaution

    in Uzbekistan.

    Uzbekistan is generally a safe destination for U.S. travelers.

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