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

Open All

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. Bhutan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    22 March 2031 | 7:00 pm

    Reissued after periodic review without changes.

    Exercise normal precautions in Bhutan.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bhutan.

    If you decide to travel to Bhutan:

  1. Bermuda - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Advisory summary

    Bermuda is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for Bermuda to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Bermuda:

  1. Barbados - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    9 April 2026 | 7:00 pm

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

    Exercise normal precautions in Barbados.

    Barbados is generally a safe destination for travelers.

    • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.

    Review our travel guidance for Barbados to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Barbados: 

    • 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.  
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Keep a low profile. 
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. 
    • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
    • Stay alert in tourist spots.  
    • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. 
    • Review the Country Security Report for Barbados.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Barbados.
    • 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 cancelation coverage.

External Resources