Visa information

A visa is an official document contained within your passport that a foreign government issues to you, allowing you to legally travel to, from, and within that particular country or region. Visa requirements and application processes vary by your destination and nationality. Though general visa information may be provided by the Global Education Office and/or the program provider, it is ultimately each student’s responsibility to determine if they require a visa to study in their host location(s), and if a visa is needed, it is also the student’s responsibility to obtain the visa. It is also each student’s responsibility to notify the ASU Global Education Office or your host institution in a timely manner if documentation from the ASU Global Education Office or your host institution is necessary to complete a visa application. 

The U.S. Department of State provides general information about visa requirements by country (type your destination country into the search bar below ‘Learn about your destination’ to read about Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements).  U.S. citizens living abroad should contact the appropriate consulate to determine the steps to obtain necessary visas. Non-U.S. citizens are advised to contact the appropriate consulate to learn the student visa procedures governing their nationality. Non-U.S. citizens who are current ASU degree-seeking students are also encouraged to consult the International Students and Scholars Center at ASU prior to completing the Global Education application process to determine if there are any visa restrictions related to studying abroad.

General Tips on Visa Processes

• A visa is a stamp or seal that is affixed inside your passport so it is imperative that you have a passport that will be valid for the entire duration of your time abroad.  Many consulates require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your return from the host country.  If you need to apply for or renew your passport, you can do so at the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office.
• Students may be required to make a personal appearance at the appropriate consulate to obtain a visa.
• Students traveling to multiple countries, on consecutive programs, or for an extended period of time, may have complex visa requirements and should develop a plan to address these well in advance.
• Some countries require that you enter your country of study directly from your home country or do not allow you to enter certain other countries before arriving to your country of study.  Please contact the appropriate consulate before making travel plans.
• The student assumes all fees associated with obtaining a visa unless otherwise noted.
• Students are strongly encouraged to purchase refundable airfare and travel insurance.  Some policies may include coverage for failure to obtain a visa.

A visa is a privilege, not a right. A consular office may deny your visa application, so it is best to adhere to their requirements as closely as possible. Obtaining a visa is your responsibility. It is important that you know what is required of you before attempting to enter a country. Failing to obtain a visa (or the correct visa) could result in a denial of entry into a country and/or criminal charges, and additionally does not release students from adherence to the Withdrawal Policy or from financial liability for a program.