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. Panama - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    18 August 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level. The unrest indicator was removed. Advisory summary was updated.

    Exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.

    Do not travel to the Mosquito Gulf due to crime.

    Do not travel to parts of the Darién Region due to crime.

    Advisory summary

    U.S. government employees working in Panama need special authorization to travel to the Mosquito Gulf and the Darién Region due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

    Crime
    Crime occurs in Panama, including theft and residential break-ins. Crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in tourist areas. The U.S. embassy receives occasional reports of residential break-ins, especially during the holiday season.

    Unrest
    Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.

    Mosquito Gulf – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    Do Not Travel to Mosquito Gulf due to crime.

    The Mosquito Gulf is an extremely remote and inaccessible area along the north (Caribbean) coast of Panama.

    Do not travel within 10 miles of the coastline, from Alligator Creek to Cocle del Norte. Drug trafficking and other illicit activities occur in this area.

    Parts of the Darién Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    Do Not Travel to parts of the Darién Region due to crime.

    Do not travel to the following areas of the Darién Region:

    • All areas south of Jaque, Manene, Yaviza, and Lajas Blancas communities to the Colombian border.
    • The community of Lajas Blancas.
    • The community of El Salto.

    Criminal activity and human trafficking networks operate in these areas. Police presence and emergency response are extremely limited.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Panama:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Panama.
    • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.Be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling to remote areas.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
    • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans
    • 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 cancellation coverage.

  1. Paraguay - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    18 August 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise Increased Caution in Departments of Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepcion, and San Pedro due to crime.

    Advisory summary

    Paraguay is generally a safe destination for travelers. Some areas have increased crime risk. U.S. government employees working in Paraguay need special authorization to travel to some areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from using municipal buses in Paraguay because of risk of robbery and assault.

    Read the Country Information Page for additional information on travel to Paraguay.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution - Departments of Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepcion, and San Pedro

    Exercise increased caution in these areas due to the risk of crime.

    Criminal groups are active in these areas, smuggling weapons, drugs, and other goods along the northeastern border of Paraguay with Brazil. Police presence in some of these areas is low.

    Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Paraguay need special authorization to travel to Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepcion, and San Pedro, and are prohibited from nighttime driving between these departments.

    If you decide to travel to Paraguay:

  1. Mauritania - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    17 August 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There was no change to the advisory level. The "health” risk indicator was added.  Advisory summary was updated.

    Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to terrorism, crime, and limited health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to areas marked off-limits by the Mauritanian military. These areas are unsafe due to security risks and terrorist activities.

    • All areas north of the Tropic of Cancer
    • All areas within 60 miles of the Mali and Algeria border

    Advisory Summary

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions

    • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to American citizens in Mauritania due to safety risks.
    • U.S. government employees working in Mauritania are not allowed to travel outside Nouakchott at night. They cannot walk alone outside of specific areas and times.
    • U.S. government employees working in Mauritania need special authorization to travel outside Nouakchott.
    • American citizens in Mauritania are advised to take similar precautions.

    Crime
    Violent crimes occur frequently outside the Tevragh Zeina neighborhoods in Nouakchott. This includes mugging, armed robbery, and assault. Local police lack the resources to respond quickly and effectively to serious crimes.

    Transportation options and communication infrastructure are limited outside Nouakchott. Crimes may happen with little or no warning, targeting tourist places. Crimes often happen at night and include kidnapping, assault, and armed robbery.

    Stay aware of your surroundings in:

    • Urban areas and crowded markets.
    • Roadblocks, including by armed groups. They are present throughout the country. 

    Terrorism
    There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mauritania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

    Terrorists may attack without warning:

    • Tourist spots where foreigners gather, anywhere in the country
    • Schools
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Places of worship and religious sites
    • International diplomatic missions
    • Local security forces and civilians

    Health
    Health facilities are available in major cities. However, routine and emergency care may be limited or unavailable. 

    • Healthcare in rural areas in Mauritania is very limited.
    • Medical care may not meet U.S. standards of care.
    • Hospitals and doctors require payment up front prior to service or admission. Payments can be made in cash or mobile payments apps (Bankily, Masrvi, and Sadad) using a local Mauritanian bank.
    • Medication and medical supplies may be unavailable in many healthcare facilities.
    • Locally available medications may be unsafe. Pharmacies are not well regulated.
    • Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

    Level 4: Do Not Travel

    Do Not Travel to Areas Designated off-limits by the Mauritanian Military

    • The government of Mauritania designates certain areas off-limits to foreigners and most Mauritanians. These “No Movement Zones” are very dangerous. They are near Mali, where armed groups are fighting an active insurgency. This violence may spill over the border into Mauritania. The government of Mauritania has little presence in these areas.
    • Police cannot respond to most incidents.
    • Cell phone coverage and paved roads are nonexistent in these areas.
    • U.S. officials are unable to travel to these places.
    • The boundaries of these areas often change, so stay informed about restricted entry.
    • Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
    • Terrorists and criminal organizations may carry out attacks in the rural area of Mauritania.

    If you decide to travel to Mauritania:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Mauritania.
    • Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and Victims of Crime.
    • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad.
    • Share your itinerary with a family member or friend.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. This helps them monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you will confirm you are safe (e.g., text, calls), how often, and who you will contact first to share the information.
    • Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable). Leave originals in your hotel safe.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Mauritania. 
    • Whether you are 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.

External Resources