International

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EntryAssist

Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance

  • Entry testing requirements

  • Testing types and timing

  • Proof of vaccination requirements

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International Travel Posts

  1. New UW System International Receipt Form

    September 7, 2022

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. Canada - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    3 October 2024 | 7:00 pm

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

    Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

    If you decide to travel to Canada: 

  1. Republic of the Congo - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    1 October 2024 | 7:00 pm

    Reissued after periodic review with minor updates.

    Exercise increased caution in the Republic of the Congo due to crime.

    Country Summary: While not common, violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, remains a concern throughout the Republic of the Congo.

    The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Brazzaville. U.S. government employees must use two vehicles for all overland travel outside Brazzaville. In Pointe-Noire, they are restricted to beaches adjacent to their hotels due to crime.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Republic of Congo.

    If you decide to travel to the Republic of the Congo:

  1. Rwanda - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    1 October 2024 | 7:00 pm

    Updated to reflect a shift in the overall country level and risk indicator.

    Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease and the Rwanda-Burundi border due to armed violence. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Reconsider Travel to:

    • The Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence.

    Country Summary: On September 27, 2024, the Government of Rwanda confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in health facilities in Rwanda. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Travel Health Notice for Marburg in Rwanda.

    The Nyungwe Forest National Park abuts the border with Burundi. Borders may not be clearly marked. It is required to obtain permits from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda are tense and there have been cross-border incursions and armed violence.

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

    If you decide to travel to Rwanda:

    Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Border – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
    Armed groups operate in DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces and Virunga Park which is adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The area has experienced escalating levels of armed conflict which could spill across poorly marked borders. Permits are required from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

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