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. Botswana - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    16 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.

    Advisory Summary

    Crime

    Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles.

    If you decide to travel to Botswana:

    • 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 Botswana.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Much of Botswana is remote and difficult to reach, even during an emergency.  Ensure you have a contingency plan for emergency situations, and 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.
    • Bring enough prescription medications to complete your trip.
    • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you travel to Botswana.  Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Botswana.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Botswana.

  1. Lesotho - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    16 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise Increased Caution in Lesotho due to crime and health.

    Advisory summary

    Crime
    Crime is common in Lesotho. Armed robberies and carjackings happen from time to time. Local police may not have enough resources to respond quickly when crimes occur.

    Health
    Lesotho’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are neither well-regulated nor well stocked. Locally available medications may be unsafe. Travelers have the option to enter South Africa for health services.

    Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.  Bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Review our information on Travel Insurance.

    If you decide to travel to Lesotho:

    • 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 Lesotho.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Lesotho.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Use caution when walking alone and avoid walking or driving at night.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Be extra careful when visiting banks or ATMs.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Much of Lesotho is remote and difficult to reach, even during an emergency. Ensure you have a contingency plan for emergency situations, and use the International Travel Checklist.
    • Buy travel insurance before you travel and make sure it includes medical evacuation coverage.
    • Bring enough prescription medications for your trip.
    • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you travel to Lesotho. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Lesotho.

  1. Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    15 June 2026 | 7:00 pm

    Reconsider travel

    to Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Terrorism

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

    Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad. 

    • Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings.
    Demonstrations

    Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.

    • Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.
    • U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials.
    • Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.
    Crime

    Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid. It sometimes changes without notice and can be a serious threat.

    • There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities. Security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.
    • The most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft. 
    Limited U.S. consular assistance

    The Government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan.

    • U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are required to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel.  
    • The U.S. government has a limited ability to assist or provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
    • U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
    • Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time. This depends on local circumstances and security conditions. 
    • U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are generally prohibited from attending most large gatherings, such as political rallies or religious ceremonies. 
    Dual nationals

    The U.S. embassy and consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan.

    Do Not Travel to:

    • Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping.
    • The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

     

External Resources