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Read This for More Information on Potential U.S. Government Travel Restrictions

Are there any U.S. travel restrictions (“travel bans”) in place that could impact my travel?

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14161 directing the U.S. Secretary of State and others to submit a report “identifying countries throughout the world for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries” by March 21, 2025.

While there have been media reports speculating which countries might be subject to future travel restrictions, the U.S. government has not ordered any active travel restrictions as of March 19, 2025.

What you can do:

• Remain aware of these circumstances by watching reputable media and U.S. government sources for updates.
• Consider whether travel outside of the U.S. during spring break could prevent your return to UW–Madison for the remainder of the spring semester – make a personal decision on your travel plans accordingly.

This is developing information. Another resource for your awareness is UW-Madison’s International Services’ Resources on the Immigration Issues webpage.

For more information on what to expect when entering the United States, read the guidance at this link: Information on Entering the United States.

An update for our international community: Updates for our international community – International Division – UW–Madison.

UW-Madison’s announcement on recent instances of immigration records terminations (7 April 2025): Update on federal immigration enforcement – International Student Services – UW–Madison.

Read Dean Vavrus’s message to campus on (10 April 2025): Letter to Deans ref Support to International Community.

Chancellor Mnookin’s op-ed on current risk to international student immigration status (17 April 2025): “Revoking student visas at UW-Madison is arbitrary, unjust.”

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 UW-Madison students, staff, and faculty traveling abroad for university-affiliated travel or under a university-sponsored program are required to enroll in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) insurance coverage.

Enroll in CISI Insurance

All UW-Madison affiliated travelers are highly encouraged to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) ahead of any international travel. 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.

Enroll in STEP

Learn about STEP