International

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Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance

  • Entry testing requirements

  • 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. Kuwait - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    28 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

    Updated to reflect authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel and to change the Travel Advisory Level to Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to safety risks.

    On March 1, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel to leave Kuwait due to safety risks.

    Reconsider travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict.  Some areas have higher risks.  Read this whole Travel Advisory.

    Country Summary:

    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.

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).  This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait.  The notice advises U.S. operators to review current security and threat information and to report safety or security incidents.  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.

    • Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
    • Do not travel to the desert area near the border with Iraq because of bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.

    Read the country information page for more information on travel to Kuwait.

    If you travel to Kuwait:

    • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
    • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call). 
    • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.  Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol.  Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
    • Make back-up plans to leave the country.
    • Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and X.
    •  Read the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
    • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
    • You should make a safety plan for emergencies. Read the Traveler’s Checklist.
    • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis Response and Evacuations. 

    Desert Area North of the Mutla’a Ridge and Near the Border with Iraq – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

    Desert areas and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge still have unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.  Avoid areas that are “off the beaten path” and do not touch or move objects in that area.  They could explode.  These locations are not clearly marked, or the signs might be difficult to understand.  Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

    Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Neighborhoods:  Exercise Increased Caution

    The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.

  1. Qatar - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    28 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

    Updated to reflect authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel and to change the Travel Advisory Level to Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to safety risks.

    On March 1, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members of government personnel to leave Qatar due to safety risks.

    Reconsider Travel to Qatar due to the threat of armed conflict.

    Country Summary:

    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.

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar.  This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region.  The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents.  For more information, Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.

    Read the country information page for more information if you decide to travel to Qatar.

    Americans in Qatar:

  1. Bahrain - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    27 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

    Updated to reflect authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel  and their family members and to change the Travel Advisory Level to Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to safety risks. 

    Reconsider Travel to Bahrain due to terrorism and armed conflict. 

    On February 28, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Bahrain due to safety risks. 

    Country Summary: 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. 

    Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Targets may include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and religious sites as well as government and military facilities. 

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

    If you decide to travel to Bahrain:

    • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
    • Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X.
    • Review the Country Security Report  for Bahrain.
    • 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.
    • Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis and Disaster Abroad. 

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