Passport

In order to travel for a study abroad program outside the US, students will require a valid passport. Study abroad students may also require a visa for travel. The purpose of your visit determines the kind of visa you are issued (for example, tourist, student, work or business).

Visa

A visa is an official authorization affixed in a passport that allows a visitor to enter and travel within a country for a designated time period. The purpose of your visit determines the kind of visa you are issued (for example, tourist, student, work or business). Almost all countries require students to have a visa if they wish to work or study for a period longer than three months. Some countries require students to obtain an exit visa.

With most study abroad programs, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain his/her visa(s). However, some programs facilitate this process for their participants; consult your Campus Study Abroad office for details. You will need your passport before you apply for a visa, which could take up to 8 weeks to receive. Contact the embassy or nearest consulate of the country you will be visiting for visa information. Web site information for embassies and consulates may be found in the general listing of embassies at the Web site for the US Department of State or at the Web site for the Electronic Embassy.

Additional information regarding travel abroad from the US and travel and business can be found at the Web site for the US Department of State. Also, NAFSA provides up to date and thorough information that can assist you in understanding visa requirements for most countries.

Additional Links and Resources

• Foreign Embassies in the US (US Department of State)
• List of Embassies based in Washington D.C.
• General Travel Abroad Information (US Department of State)
• Travel and Business (US Department of State)