International Safety and Security

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)