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. Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    8 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    The advisory level remains at 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 the risk of terrorism and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.

    Advisory summary
    On March 13, 2026, the Department of State ordered 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.

    For more information visit Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.

    If you decide to travel to Oman:

  1. Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    7 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Do not travel to Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba states were added.

    Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to:

    • Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, northern Adamawa states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping
    • Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to unrest, crime, and kidnapping
    • Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.

    Advisory summary: 
    On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.

    Crime and Kidnapping
    Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.

    • Kidnappings for ransom happen often.
    • They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria.
    • Americans are perceived as wealthy and are often targets of crime and kidnapping.
    • Kidnapping gangs have stopped drivers on interstate roads in order to rob and kidnap victims.

    Terrorism
    There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria.

    Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including:

    • Shopping centers and malls
    • Markets
    • Hotels
    • Places of worship
    • Restaurants and bars
    • Schools
    • Government buildings
    • Transportation hubs
    • Public places where crowds gather

    Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

    Unrest
    Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services.

    Violence can occur between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

    Unreliable health care
    Americans should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States:

    • Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards.
    • Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.  
    • Bring enough over the counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria.
    • Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. Consider getting boosters for yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and polio.
    • All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is high risk for Malaria.
    • Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem.
    • Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
    • Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.
    • Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist.
    • Blood supply is often unreliable.
    • Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics.
    • We strongly recommend getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.
    • The Department of State does not pay medical bills for Americans overseas.
    • The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to Americans in many areas of Nigeria due to the safety risks.

    Risks in specific areas -Level 4 - Do Not Travel

    Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states
    Do not travel     to Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

    • Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
    • The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain. This is because of widespread terrorist activity, violence between communities, and kidnapping.
    • Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

    Terrorist groups in the Northeast often target:

    • Humanitarian camps
    • Security forces
    • Churches and mosques
    • Schools
    • Government buildings
    • Entertainment venues
    • Road travelers

    Violence in Northeast Nigeria has forced about 2 million Nigerians to leave their homes.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states
    Do not travel     to Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to unrest, crime, and kidnapping.

    • Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
    • The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest.
    • Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.
    • Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt)
    Do not travel     to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.

    • Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
    • Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria.
    • There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

     If you decide to travel to Nigeria:

    • 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 Nigeria.
    • Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.
    • Use caution when walking or driving.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • Review travel routes and times. Vary your predictability.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
    • Check local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign tourists.
    • Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
    • Review your personal security plans.
    • Have evacuation plans that do not depend on U.S. government help.
    • Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive. This helps to rule out scams.
    • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. 
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Nigeria.
    • Get comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
    • 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.
    • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.

  1. Costa Rica - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    1 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

    Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime.

    Advisory Summary

    Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, also affects tourists.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Costa Rica.

    If you decide to travel to Costa Rica:

    • 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 Crime Abroad and for Victims of Violent Crime.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Costa Rica.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Costa Rica.
    • 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.

External Resources