Special Topics
EntryAssist
Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance
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Entry testing requirements
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Testing types and timing
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Proof of vaccination requirements
International Travel FAQ
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:
- 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.
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Thailand - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
24 July 2025 | 7:00 pm
The advisory level was increased to Level 2. An area of increased risk was added. The advisory summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Thailand due to risk of unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Areas along the Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict.
Advisory summary:
Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces.
Periodic violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents has been known to occur in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Seventeen districts in these provinces remain under a declared state of emergency due to ongoing violent conflict. There is a collateral risk of violence for U.S. citizens in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict.The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Thailand - Cambodia Border:Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Thai-Cambodian border due to ongoing fighting between Thai and Cambodian military forces.
There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Armed conflict has led to civilian casualties, and the Thai government has ordered the evacuation of certain areas. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.Read the destination information page for additional information on travel to Thailand.
If you decide to travel to Thailand:
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- 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 Thailand.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- 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..
- Areas along the Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict.
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Cambodia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
24 July 2025 | 7:00 pm
The advisory level was increased to 2. The “unrest” risk indicator was added. An area of increased risk was added. The advisory summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime and landmines. Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Areas along Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict.
Advisory summary:
Phnom Penh
Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury. Violent crimes, such as sexual assault and homicide do occur and sometimes are committed against foreigners.Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces
Landmines and unexploded ordnance are found in remote areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces.Do not touch unknown metal objects; instead notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 012-800-473/023-995-437. Use a local guide when walking in forested areas or dry rice paddies in these areas.
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Cambodia – Thailand BorderDo not travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodia – Thailand border due to ongoing fighting between Cambodian and Thai military forces.
There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Armed conflict has led to reports of civilian casualties. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.
Read the destination information page for additional information on travel to Cambodia.
If you decide to travel to Cambodia:
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- 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 Cambodia.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- 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.
- Areas along Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict.
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Syria - Level 4: Do Not Travel
22 July 2025 | 7:00 pm
Updated to reflect recent developments in Syria.
Do not travel to Syria due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, and armed conflict.
Country Summary: The U.S. government suspended operations of the U.S. Embassy in 2012. Czechia serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. Do not travel to Syria for any reason.
Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking by armed groups, terrorism, remnants of war such as unexploded ordnance, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships inside the country.
The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including hostage taking by armed groups, injury, or death.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Parts of Syria have experienced recent increases in incidents of bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assassinations. Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliates, is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines.
There is an ongoing risk of hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country. In the past, U.S. citizens have been targets of abduction and detention in Syria. Those in detention may not have access to fair judicial process or medical attention. Current detention center conditions are unclear but could be harsh and unsanitary. Failure to obtain a legitimate entry visa directly from the Syrian government could result in detention.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) advising against travel to Syria due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Syria. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Read the country information page for additional information on Syria, including alerts related to the closure of airspace.
If despite this warning, you decide to travel to Syria:
- Visit our website on Travel to High Risk Areas.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
- Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. Foreign travelers may face increased risk of detention and harassment.
- Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. This is so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your loved ones to access them.
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This is so they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review thoroughly this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
- Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). This is so they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you will confirm you’re safe (texts, calls, etc.), how often, and whom you will contact first to share the information.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Make backup plans to leave the country.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts.
- 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.