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. Trinidad and Tobago - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    12 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level. The “kidnapping” indicator was removed. An area of increased risk was added. Advisory summary was updated.

    Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. There is also a heightened risk of terrorism. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Exercise increased caution in rural areas due to health risks.

    State of Emergency

    On March 2, 2026, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a new nationwide State of Emergency (SOE). This is due to a spike in violent criminal activity that could threaten public safety.

    During the SOE, the GOTT has imposed the following measures:

    • The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service can:
      • Arrest people on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities.
      • Search and enter public and private properties as needed.
    • Bail is suspended for those suspected of committing a crime.
    • Members of the Defense Force are following similar regulations as the local police.
    • There are currently no curfews or restrictions on public gatherings.

    The GOTT will monitor the SOE daily. Restrictions may change with little or no notice.

    Advisory Summary

    Although violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago has dropped greatly since 2024 due to security efforts started during the previous state of emergencies, crime remains a challenge throughout the country. Crime rates are lower in Tobago than in Trinidad. 

    Due to crime risks, U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are not allowed to travel to the following areas in Port of Spain:

    • At any time:
      • Laventille
      • The southern end of Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street (past the General Hospital)
      • Piccadilly Street
      • Besson Street 
      • Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah
    • At night:
      • Port of Spain Beaches
      • Downtown Port of Spain
      • Fort George
      • Queen’s Park Savannah

    There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Trinidad and Tobago. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

    Risks in specific areas

    Exercise increased caution due to limited health care in rural areas on both Trinidad and Tobago. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures in those areas are limited. 

    Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

    If you decide to travel to Trinidad and Tobago:

    • 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 Trinidad and Tobago.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid poorly lit or remote areas.
    • Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like cash, expensive watches, or jewelry.
    • Stay alert when visiting banks and ATMs. 
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt unless forced into a vehicle or remote area.
    • Refer to our list of medical providers. 
    • Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, and Victims of Crime.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Trinidad and Tobago.
    • 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.
    • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.

  1. Barbados - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Exercise normal precautions in Barbados.

    Barbados is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.

    Review our travel guidance for Barbados to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Barbados: 

    • 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.  
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Keep a low profile. 
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • 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 in tourist spots.  
    • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. 
    • Review the Country Security Report for Barbados.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Barbados.
    • 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. Bermuda - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Advisory summary

    Bermuda is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for Bermuda to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Bermuda:

External Resources