In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all UW-Madison-sponsored outbound travel by students and employees is suspended until further notice. Exceptions to this policy will only be considered for an employee or student whose purpose meets a high standard of essential travel, defined as those that: support, further or execute the organization’s mission; cannot be rescheduled effectively; will result in the loss of a significant external financial grant or award if not executed; and/or are not available and cannot be accomplished online or by other alternative means.
Additionally, students are precluded by the UW-Madison International Travel Policy from traveling to locations under a U.S. Department of State level 3 or 4 travel advisory or a CDC level 3 travel warning notice. Currently, this includes the overwhelming majority of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the International Travel Policy under this site’s “Policies” tab.
A short summary of UW-Madison’s current position on travel and the associated policies can be read here: Information on Essential Travel and the International Travel Policy
CDC Updates International Travel Guidance Following Vaccination, 2 April 2021
International travel poses additional risks and even fully vaccinated travelers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading new COVID-19 variants. -- CDC
Advice About the End of the Pandemic, From a Combat Veteran | Opinion
Chad Gibbs, a current PhD candidate at UW-Madison who served in the U.S. Army from 2002-2009, connects his experiences as a combat veteran to the emergence from the pandemic. -- Newsweek (Feb. 2021)
COVID-19 Testing Required for U.S. Entry
The CDC requires all air passengers two years of age and over entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three (3) calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. -- U.S. Department of State (Jan. 2021)
COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked
It is likely that you have heard claims about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media or from people in your life. The quick development and approval of a vaccine may increase your hesitancy about its safety or effectiveness. Let's set the record straight on circulating myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. -- Mayo Clinic (Dec. 2020)
Beyond 2020: Safety Abroad in a Recovering World
UW-Madison experts weigh in on how international education will be impacted by the post-pandemic environment. -- Inside Higher Ed (May 2020)
Safely Explore During the Pandemic with Virtual Tours!
COVID-19 Information and Resources
- CDC Requirement for International Air Travel to the U.S.
- CDC Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- CDC Travel Recommendations by Destination
- Safely Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities!
- 8 Things to Know about Vaccine Planning
- U.S. DOS COVID-19 Traveler Information
- U.S. State COVID-19 Info and Resources
- FDA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing Basics
- World Health Organization Travel Advice
- How to Keep the Coronavirus at Bay Indoors
- UW’s Response to COVID-19
- UW-Madison's UHS COVID-19 Testing for Students and Employees
Links, News and Public Messages
- UW-Madison Ranks #1 for Semester Study Abroad and #14 Overall for Study Abroad!
- UW–Madison is a 2020–2021 Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students
- UW-Madison International Travel Policy
- Badgers Travel Smart: How to Comply with DHS Guidelines when Traveling with Electronics
- CISI -- UW-Madison's International Health & Medical Insurance
- U.S. DOS Worldwide Caution, 1/15/2019
- REAL ID -- Transportation Security Administration
- STEP -- U.S. DOS Smart Traveler Enrollment Program