International

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Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance

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  • Testing types and timing

  • Proof of vaccination requirements

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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)

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. Kuwait - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    1 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. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

    Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.

    Advisory Summary

    On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of government personnel to leave Kuwait 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.

    The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait due to the safety risks.

    Notice to Airmen

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).  This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait.  Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.

    Crime

    • Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
    • The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.

    Landmines

    • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq.
    • The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.
    • There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
    • Avoid areas that are “off the bea.ten path” and do not touch or move objects in that area.  They could explode.
    • Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

    For U.S. citizens in Kuwait:

    • Visit our website for information on 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.
    • 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.
    • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.  Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol.  Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
    • 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.
    • Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.
    • Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .

  1. Bahrain - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    1 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. There were no changes to Travel Advisory Level or the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

    Reconsider Travel to Bahrain due to terrorism and armed conflict.

    Advisory Summary

    On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members of U.S. government employees to leave Bahrain 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 a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Bahrain. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.  

    Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Targets may include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and religious sites as well as government and military facilities.

    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 Bahrain. For more information Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

    For U.S. citizens in Bahrain:

    • 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.
    • Stay alert at all times, especially in locations frequented by tourists.
    • 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)
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Bahrain.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Bahrain.
    • 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. United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    1 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.

    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.

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.

UW International Resources

External Resources