Updates to university travel – Nov. 8, 2021

The following information is taken from the Nov. 3 update to university travel policy. Read the announcement about university travel updates


Effective Nov. 8, 2021, the ban on university-sponsored international travel is no longer restricted to essential activities and an exemption form is no longer needed.

Employees, guests, graduate students, and undergraduates traveling internationally for business purposes should follow existing travel policy. All international travel should follow current campus health protocols as well as CDC International Travel Guidance. It is recommended individuals delay university-sponsored international travel until fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Travelers should pay close attention to country-specific vaccination and testing requirements, as these may vary and are modified regularly.

The university highly recommends employees traveling internationally on university business enroll in the UW System international health, medical, and evacuation insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Starting Jan. 1, 2022, CISI will be required for all employees traveling abroad for university purposes. For more information on this requirement, see the CISI Insurance enrollment and reimbursement memo, issued November 1, 2021.

Enrollment in CISI is already required for all students traveling abroad – undergraduates, graduates, and professional students – regardless of their program of study or academic standing.

Enrollment in CISI is not available for personal travel.

In addition, students must comply with the UW–Madison International Travel Policy. The International Travel Policy applies to students of all levels and programs of study – undergraduate, graduate, and professional.  Students are precluded from travel to any location that remains under a level 3 or 4 U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory or a level 3 or 4 CDC Travel Health Notice. The International Travel Policy offers a process by which waivers can be requested if risks can be mitigated effectively. See the “Policies” tab on the UW–Madison International Safety and Security website for more information about the policy and waiver process.

International travelers on university-related business without approval are subject to personal financial responsibility and potentially individual or group corrective action.