Planning
EntryAssist
Covid-19 Travel Country Entry Assistance
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Entry testing requirements
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Testing types and timing
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Proof of vaccination requirements
International Travel Posts
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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
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:
- 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.
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Vanuatu - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
19 December 2024 | 6:00 pm
Updated to a Level 3 due to infrastructure damage from an earthquake.
The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Vanuatu following the December 17, 2024, earthquake, which caused significant damage to local infrastructure. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Vanuatu is limited, and departure options have been disrupted. Within Vanuatu, numerous buildings sustained severe damage, and curfews are in effect in some areas.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Vanuatu.
If you decide to travel to Vanuatu:
- Postpone non-essential travel until conditions stabilize.
- Monitor local reports and updates from the Vanuatu government and follow all instructions from local authorities.
- Prepare for disruptions by ensuring you have sufficient supplies of water, food, and medications, as resources are limited.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Make back up plans to leave the country.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Vanuatu.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
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Mozambique - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
18 December 2024 | 6:00 pm
Updated to change overall Travel Advisory Level from 2 to 3 and to add the civil unrest risk indicator due to ongoing demonstrations.
Reconsider travel to Mozambique due to health issues, crime, civil unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have greater risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
- Certain districts in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces due to terrorism.
Country Summary: Protests frequently occur throughout the country and can quickly become violent. Most protests occur in Maputo, and some have turned violent. Protesters have also engaged in rioting, looting, vandalism and destruction of property. Police responses to protests and large gatherings can quickly become violent, including the use of live ammunition and tear gas. Conversely, police may refuse to maintain public order. Protests may temporarily block major roads, including border crossings and roads leading to airports, making travel unpredictable.
Violent crime, such as muggings, is common.
Terrorist groups in northern Mozambique continue to be active. Attackers may strike public areas with little or no warning.
Mozambique’s health infrastructure is weak, medicine availability is variable and often in short supply. Hospitals remain open, roads leading to the airports are intermittently blocked by protesters, potentially impacting medical evacuation efforts.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mozambique.
If you decide to travel to Mozambique:
- Avoid all but emergency travel between sunset and sunrise.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Mozambique.
- Have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Certain districts in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Terrorists continue to conduct and plot attacks on government forces, villages, and key supply routes in the districts of Ancuabe, Chuire, Ibo, Macomia, Meluco, Metuge, Mocimboa da Praia, Mueda, Muidumbe, Nangade, Palma, and Quissanga in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, and the bordering districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula Province.
Although attacks have centered around government forces, travelers should be aware of their surroundings, especially in large public places
Be aware of increased government security checkpoints in Cabo Delgado Province.
If you must travel to the affected areas of Cabo Delgado, consider hiring a security firm.
Cabo Delgado’s capital city of Pemba – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Pemba is vulnerable to attack due to the proximity of violent extremist forces and their increasing sophistication.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
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Nepal - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
17 December 2024 | 6:00 pm
Reissued after periodic review with updates to “if you decide to travel” section.
Exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence.
Country Summary: Political demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes escalate into violence and may be met with force by Nepali authorities.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Nepal.
If you decide to travel to Nepal:
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Do not trek or climb alone. The Government of Nepal requires solo or foreign independent trekkers (FITs) to use a local guide or porter while trekking in Nepal’s official national parks and protected areas.
- Review the Adventure Travel Page before your trip.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Nepal.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
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.