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Passport and Visa Information

You should obtain your passport, a document issued by the US government indicating your citizenship, well in advance of your study abroad, in some cases at the same time that you are applying for the program — especially if you also must have a visa. Start by applying for your passport.

 

Passport applications must be submitted in person to an appropriate passport agency. To find a passport agency location near you, please visit the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page.

 

If you already have a passport, make sure the expiration date is six months past your return to the U.S. following your study abroad program. If you need to renew your passport, please click here.

Remember: Your passport is the most important document you have when outside the United States. Tips for student travelers:

• Know where it is at all times and keep it in a safe place.
• Scan a copy: keep a scanned copy in your personal email. (Study Abroad Office will keep a scanned copy in your file).
• Also, photocopy the front pages of your passport and keep them separate from your baggage. Once in your foreign country, keep these copies in a safe place; ask if your program would keep a copy on hand. This will facilitate replacement if the passport is lost or stolen.

A Visa is a stamp in your passport from the Embassy of the country you will enter, and, depending on the country, there may be delays in obtaining it. Therefore, it is important to begin exploring these requirements early. Many countries require a “student visa” for residence over three months. Contact the corresponding consulate or embassy for the Visa requirements of the country in which you will be studying. You will need:

• Passport
• Proof of acceptance by your host university.
• Documentation of adequate funding for the length of your program.
• Additional supporting documents as requested.
  

Important: In some cases it might take as long as three months to process the required visa. Please view Visa requirement here.

If you plan to travel while abroad, investigate the visa requirements of each country you plan to visit. Some countries require a visa for even short-term stays, and some require that the visa be obtained while you are in the U.S.

Contact information for U.S. Embassies is available online at the U.S. Department of State.

International Students Interested in Study Abroad

If you are a student attending UNCP on a non-immigrant F-1 visa you are welcome to study abroad. Please contact the Study Abroad Coordinator at ip@uncp.edu to discuss your individual situation.

 

Updated: Monday, February 4, 2013

 

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