Special Topics
EntryAssist
Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance
-
Entry testing requirements
-
Testing types and timing
-
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.
-
Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
2 March 2026 | 6:00 pm
The advisory level was increased to 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 risk of armed conflict and terrorism.
Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.
Advisory summary
On March 3, 2026, the Department of State authorized 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.
Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.
If you decide to travel to Oman:
- Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.
- 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 Oman.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Oman.
- 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.
- Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis Response and Evacuations.
-
United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
2 March 2026 | 6:00 pm
Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on March 2. Advisory summary was updated.
Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict and terrorism.
Advisory Summary
On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government family members to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict.
U.S. Citizens should complete the Crisis Intake Form to let the U.S. Embassy know they are requesting assistance. Do not submit this form more than once. The form is available at the following link: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
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. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States.
Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.
Aviation Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Local laws
Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates.
For U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates:
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- 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.
- Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .
- Follow the U.S. Mission to the UAE on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and visit the Mission website.
- Review the Country Security Report for the United Arab Emirates.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for United Arab Emirates.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- 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.
-
Cyprus - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
2 March 2026 | 6:00 pm
The advisory level was increased to 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.
Reconsider travel to Cyprus due to the threat of armed conflict and limited U.S. embassy assistance for Americans in the Turkish Cypriot Administered area.
Advisory Summary
On March 3, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Cyprus due to the safety risks.
Armed Conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there have been significant disruptions to commercial flights.
A drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area on Cyprus on March 2.
Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area
The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in this area.
Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities do not meet international standards.
Since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. However, the northern part of Cyprus is administered by Turkish Cypriots. It proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983.
The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Türkiye. A buffer zone, patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, separates the 2 sides.
For U.S. citizen travelers:
Enter and exit the island of Cyprus only at Larnaca and Paphos airports or at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry or exit via Ercan Airport or by a seaport in the north to be legal. U.S. citizens who leave the island from Ercan could face challenges returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future.
You cannot receive a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to live in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots.
The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive to the island at a north seaport or Ercan airport or stay in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area for over 90 days, you may be denied entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area. Travelers should consider this when planning their activities.
If you decide to travel to Cyprus:
Visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations.
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.
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).
Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
Make back-up plans to leave the country.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website 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.
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.