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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:

    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. Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. mission operations.

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

    Do not travel to:

    • Balochistan Province due to terrorism and kidnapping.
    • 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.

    Advisory summary

    On March 3, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks.  There is no change to the status of Embassy Islamabad.

    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 very 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.

    Risks in specific areas

    Level: 4 – Do not travel

    Balochistan Province

    Do not travel to Balochistan Province for any reason due to terrorism and kidnapping.

    • Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks. They target civilians, foreign nationals, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.
    • Do not travel to Balochistan Province for any reason due to terrorism and kidnapping.
    • Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common.
    • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including former FATA

    Do not travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province for any reason due to terrorism and kidnapping.

    • Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks. They target civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces.
    • These groups historically have targeted both government officials and civilians.
    • Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common. Terrorists target polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security services, like police and military staff.
    • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas

    Vicinity of Line of Control

    Do not travel to the Line of Control for any reason due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

    • Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides of the Line of Control in the disputed territory of Kashmir.
    • The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for people who are not citizens of Pakistan or India is in the Province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Confirm the status of the border crossing before your trip.
    • An Indian visa is required to enter India. No visa services are available at the border.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas

    If you decide to travel to Pakistan:

    • 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 our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Monitor local media for breaking news.  Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert in large crowds or tourist spots.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Monitor local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Vary your travel routes and timing. 
    • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, hotels, police installations, places of worship, and government and military institutions.
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. List how and when you'll confirm you're safe (text or call). Specify how often you will do this.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan.
    • 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) page for the latest Travel Health Information for Pakistan.
    • 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 cancelatio

  1. United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    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 FacebookInstagram, 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.

  1. Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    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.  

    U.S. Citizens should complete the Crisis Intake Form to let the U.S. Embassy or consulate 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.

    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:

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.