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  1. International Admissions
  2. Study Abroad
    1. Getting Started
      1. Study Abroad 101
      2. Information and Advising
      3. Getting a Passport
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      5. FAQ
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      1. Search Programs
      2. Selection Advice
      3. Apply
    3. Financing Study Abroad
      1. Financial Aid
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    4. Pre-departure
      1. Academics
      2. Health and Safety
      3. Visa Advice
      4. Air Travel Advice
      5. Money Matters
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    5. Coming Home
      1. Re-entry Resources
      2. Career Resources
  3. Academic Programs
  4. Institute of World Affairs
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Mailing Address
PO Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Street Address
Pearse Hall 166
2441 E Hartford Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone
(414) 229-5182
E-mail
overseas@uwm.edu

Visa Advice

Visas are a country’s entry permit.  Without one, stays of more than 90 days are typically not allowed.  Getting a visa is thus an important step in preparing for most semester-length (and some short-term) study abroad programs.  In most cases, it is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa (the study abroad office will tell you if it’s not).

Visa policies differ by country and regularly change.  In most cases you cannot apply for a visa less than 20 days before your scheduled departure and visas for certain countries take more than 90 days to process.  Planning ahead is thus essential to ensuring that you are ready to travel.  Remember, too, you cannot apply for a visa until you have your passport!

If you plan to travel to multiple countries while abroad, it is recommended that you check with the consulates of EVERY country to see if they have different visa regulations.  It is also a good idea to register with the authorities upon arrival overseas.  By notifying authorities, it may be easier to get assistance should you lose your passport or other travel documents.

Non-US Citizens and Permanent Residents

Countries usually have different visa entry and stay requirements based on citizenship.  Non-US citizens and permanent residents are responsible for their own visa applications and immigration documentation (including transit countries) and for re-entry into the United States.  The time it will take to process your application may be much longer than U.S. citizens, so you should make visa inquiries as soon you are admitted to a program.Visa applications are typically processed at a country’s U.S.-based consulate office.  In some cases you can receive a visa by applying through the mail.  In others, an in-person visit to the consulate office is required.  To avoid delays, you should study application instructions carefully before submitting  your visa application paperwork.  Cultural differences often begin at the Consulate door, so it is advised that you remain patient and polite at all times.  Remember a visa is a privilege, not a right.  No consulate is obligated to grant you a visa.

Country-Specific Information

Country-specific information, to include entry requirements, can be found on the U.S. State Department's website. If the county you hope to visit is not listed here, you should be able to find visa information online by searching for the name of the country and "U.S. consulate."

 
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