Students are subject to UW-Madison’s “International Travel Policy” (International Travel Resources, Guidelines and Policies).
The policy has been revised to reflect the U.S. Department of State and CDC’s updated travel advisory systems. Under this policy, students are precluded from traveling to any location that remains under a U.S. Department of State Level 3 or Level 4 advisory or a CDC Travel Health Notice of Level 3 or Level 4. The policy offers a process by which waivers can be requested if risks can be mitigated effectively.
See the “Policies” tab on this website for more information about the policy and waiver process.
All University of UW-Madison students, staff, and faculty traveling abroad under a UW-sponsored program are required the enroll in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) insurance coverage.
All UW-Madison affiliated travelers are highly encouraged to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their international travel with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Links, News, and Public Messages
UW students take on summer internships worldwide, from Colombia to South Africa
Read about how UW-Madison students traveled across the world over the 2023 summer term to learn, intern and develop their professional skills.
U.S. Department of State Worldwide Caution (8/2/2022)
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated its Worldwide Caution on August 2, 2022, to replace the previous 2019 version.
International Travel | CDC
Read the CDC's most recently updated guidance on international travel.
UW-Madison International Travel Policy
Familiarize yourself with the UW-Madison International Travel Policy before going abroad.
UW-Madison Requires CISI Enrollment for All University International Travel
As of January 2022, enrollment in UW-System's CISI international health, medical, and evacuation insurance is required for all employee international travel on university business as an allowable expense. Read the memo from the UW-Madison Provost and the Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
U.S. Embassy & Consulate Alerts
Read through the latest U.S. Embassy and Consulate Alerts for your destination before you travel.
CDC Global Road Safety Guidance
Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of traveler injuries and deaths both in the U.S. and abroad. Before you travel, review this guidance on road traffic safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
U.S. Department of Transportation | Latest News
Check out the latest news from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Learn how to prepare for tropical storms.
It’s tropical storm season across much of the world. Take a look at this document to learn how you can prepare for storms while traveling.
Protect yourself from the dangerous effects of extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
Heat waves and wildfires are becoming increasingly common. Review these resources from FEMA to learn how you can better protect yourself from extreme heat, and check out these resources from CDC to learn how you can better protect yourself from the widespread impacts of wildfire smoke.
Don’t be a victim of wire fraud and scams while abroad.
Check out this short brief and read this discussion about wire fraud and scams before you travel. Financial crimes are increasingly common and often target travelers and their families and friends while abroad.