Learn the risks associated with international travel and your destination.
Before traveling, visit the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention country-specific webpages for your destination and read the information under all the expandable tabs.
Seek other pre-travel opportunities as well to learn more about your destination and program, including exploring the resources below and talking to others who have visited your destination. By deliberately planning your activities with forethought, you can mitigate potential risks.
U.S. Public Agency Resources
- U.S. DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs Pre-Travel Checklist
- U.S. DOS Information for Study Abroad
- U.S. DOS Remote Passport Agency Offices
- U.S. Passport Application Status Check
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - Travel
- U.S. Dept. of the Treasury Sanctions Programs and Country Information
- CDC Road Safety Abroad Guidance
- American Red Cross Swimming Safety
UW-Madison Pre-Travel Resources
- Petty Crime and Theft Primer
- UW-Madison International Traveler Checklist
- UW-Madison ISSD Tips for International Travelers
- ISSD's Pre-Travel Safety and Security Planning
- Export Control Considerations for International Travel
- Airbnb (and Similar Applications) Guidance
- Hotel Safety Guidance
- Considerations for Non-Credit University-Affiliated Travel Groups
- Rideshare Applications
- Considerations for LGBTQ+ Travelers Abroad
- Using Dating Apps Safely Abroad
- Cuba Travel - What You Need to Know
Emergency Action Plan
In case of crisis, create an emergency action and communications plan. You may use the ISSD’s Emergency Action Plan template.
UW-Madison Sites
- International Division
- International Academic Programs (IAP)
- University Health Services International Travel Clinic
- School of Business International Programs
- International Engineering Studies & Programs
- Global Health Institute
- Information Technology (DoIT)
- Institute for Regional and International Studies
- International Student Services (ISS)
- Risk Management
- Office of Export Control
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) International Programs
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.