Travel & research resources

UW-La Crosse Travel Policies & Procedures

All UWL International Education program travel is coordinated through UWL IEE. (i.e. faculty-led programs)
Non-international education-related travel is supported by UW System Travel Administrator and Travel Management System. (I.e. conferences and research travel)

Travel Insurance

Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) helps UWL support students and employees abroad in times of need. The insurance is required for all UWL students and employees traveling abroad on university-affiliated travel. CISI offers 24-hour worldwide assistance, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help support students and employees across a spectrum of needs ranging from the relatively minor — such as help replacing a lost passport — to the more complex — such as identifying reputable medical specialists and providing emergency evacuation. Through its contracted partners, CISI has a medical staff that can translate across language and cultural barriers to help beneficiaries in need and provide seamless payment to ensure uninterrupted care.

Travel insurance enrollment is required for UWL employees. CISI enrollment for employees is considered a necessary and allowable expense.
CISI International Health Insurance coverage is not available for personal travel or traveling family members.
CISI reserves the right to invalidate coverage and deny all claims presented related to personal travel.
Faculty and staff who sustain an injury within the scope of their employment during University-related travel may also be eligible for Worker’s Compensation benefits.
To enroll in CISI travel insurance coverage, please contact UWL IEE at international@uwlax.edu.
- Charges will be billed to your department/program account.

Travel Advisories

Many universities pay close attention to the US Department of State (DOS) consular announcements, which are disseminated to the public to help assess travelers’ risks. It’s important for travelers to understand the different announcement types and sources. UWL IEE and the International Risk Management committee review these travel advisories to assess the health and safety conditions of each program site throughout the planning and program travel. Please be advised that risk is assessed from multiple sources of regional information. Below are a few of the resources (not limited to) that serve as a guide.

US State Department
CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
UW System Approved Provider Risk Management Teams

Funding

International Scholarship Grant (Funding from UWL Provost Office)

Supports faculty/staff to disseminate research at international conferences.
Does NOT support international program development.

Additional funds may be available via individual College Offices and/or departments.

Border crossings have been the subject of increased media attention in response to stricter controls at points of entry.

As you plan to travel outside our country, it is important that you take time to familiarize yourself with the latest travel advisories and support from the Universities of Wisconsin to ensure you have a safe journey.

Check travel advisories

When travelling internationally, always review the US State Department – Bureau of Consular Affairs travel advice and advisories prior to departure.

Travel advisories are updated regularly and feature the latest information about the region you are visiting, including any changes in visas or other documentation required.

Details on the exact documentation required to enter a country, whether to expect heightened scrutiny at border crossings and any natural disasters or security threats are listed. Please check for the latest update through the link above.

Confirm what documentation is needed

Be prepared to expect heightened security, or additional questioning at border crossings including the United States. Make sure you have all required documentation, such as:

A valid passport from your country of citizenship will not expire within 6 months of your travel.

Travel visa if it is required by your destination.

Have copies of your travel itinerary, invitations or documentation for your faculty-led program, hotel and return flight information to demonstrate the purpose of your visit and its duration.

Even if you have never required a travel visa to visit a country before, take the time to check if the rules have changed before you depart.

Register your international travel

Every time you travel outside of the United States on University business – staff must submit a UWL Travel Preauthorization form. Faculty members are also strongly encouraged to register.

Register with the Dept of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). A free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.

Protect electronic devices

UWL ITS, IEE, Research & Sponsored Programs & HR have compiled some international cybersecurity resources where there are concerns about keeping personal and university data protected. Please note that this information can change, and most recent information can be found here.

At the border

Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents with you and not in your checked luggage. Keep digital and paper copies in separate, accessible locations.

Security Checks: Airport or other security officers may ask you to start your device to prove that it works. Comply by starting your system and entering the password yourself. If the security officer wants you to give them the password, state that it is the University’s policy to NOT share passwords. If they still require you to provide the password to them, give them the password, and change it immediately following the check.

You are encouraged to fully cooperate with any requests made by border officials. Failure to do so could result in your travel being delayed or cancelled.

U.S. Citizen Re-entry: U.S. citizens have an absolute right to re-enter the United States, but some have reported heightened questioning based on dual nationality, prior travel history, or other factors.

Communication: For your protection, DO NOT publicize travel plans and limit sharing of travel details online.

Cyber Security - During International Travel

This document is intended to be used as a guide for UWL faculty, staff, and students who are traveling to countries where there are concerns about keeping personal and university data protected. It contains links to both campus and external resources as well as a list of services that UWL can provide. It includes advice compiled from several sources (see Related Documents and Websites at the bottom of this page).

This is working document and guidelines may change.

There may be Universities of Wisconsin System restrictions for international logins, at UW-La Crosse please contact the Eagle Help Desk. Safety information provided courtesy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison International Safety & Security Office and Information Technology.