Visa Information
A visa is permission granted to foreign visitors to enter a country provided the visitor presents the proper documents at the port of entry. This permission is in the form of a stamp placed in your passport. Visas can be obtained from the embassy of the country you wish to visit. Usually you will complete the necessary forms and send your passport, application form, and additional requested information to the consulate located in the U.S. Other information may include proof of health insurance, admission letter from host institution, and/or financial verification of bank acccounts.
How do I know if I need a visa?
U.S. citizens traveling to a European Union nation for less than 90 days generally do NOT require visas.
You may need a visa if any ONE of the following statements apply to you:
- You are not a U.S. citizen
- You will be staying abroad for more than 90 days
- You are visiting a country outside of the European Union
You can find out if you need a visa by contacting the consular section of the embassy of the country you plan to visit. You can find the consulate contact information at www.embassy.org/embassies/. Read the instructions carefully, they may require you to call, fax, or e-mail your request to them. Others may not have a website so you will have to call.
Many embassies have regional consulates that serve several states. Find the contact information for the consulate that serves the state of your permanant address. Most consulates serving Arkansas are located in Houston, Dallas, or New Orleans.
When contacting consulate for instructions, be prepared to provide the following information:
- purpose of your visit
- the institution in which you will study
- the date of your departure & return
- the date of your return
- the maximum amount of time you plan to spend in that nation.
Some consulates will require you to fax this information to them and then they will send you a visa application.
Apply Early
Apply early as it may take 3 months to receive your visa. Different countries have different regulations regarding visas and not all nations require that you obtain a visa, it all depends on your country of citizenship, the purpose your visit, and length of time your stay. Most European destinations do not require a visa if your visit is for 90 days or less.
Mailing Your Passport
Your passport & visa application should be mailed via trackable overnight express mail. It is highly recommended that you pre-purchase a return trackable overnight express mail envelope for the consulate to use to return your passport and visa to you. Some consulates may require you to apply for the visa in person. This can require travel to Houston, New Orleans, Dallas, or Kansas City.
Where can I find additional help?
Help with your visa application can be obtained from your study abroad coordinator or the Office of International Services.