Passport & Visas

Get Ready for International Travel

Before studying abroad, make sure you have the travel documents required for your destination. Depending on your citizenship, destination, and length of stay, you may need a valid passport, student visa, residence permit, or other documentation.

Passport and visa requirements vary by country, and processing times can take several weeks or longer. Start preparing early so you have enough time to complete the required steps before departure.

Passports

All students studying abroad need a valid passport appropriate for their international travel. If you do not have a passport or need to renew one, begin the process as early as possible.

Before applying for a program or making travel arrangements:

  • Check your passport's expiration date.
  • Confirm passport validity requirements for your destination. Many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
  • Make sure your passport has sufficient blank pages if your destination requires them.
  • If your passport expires soon, review renewal procedures and processing times before booking travel.

Your destination may have specific passport requirements, so verify the rules that apply to your trip.

 

Passport resources:
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE - US PASSPORTS
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE - COUNTRY INFORMATION

UTA has an official Passport Acceptance Office located in the Swift Center. The office accepts passport applications for new U.S. passports and offers passport photo services.

Visit the UTA Passport Office website for current application requirements, required documents, fees, operating hours, and appointment information.

Visit the UTA Passport Office

For Federal application instructions and current processing times, visit the U.S. Department of State's passport website.

If you will travel using a passport issued by another country, check the passport and travel requirements established by your country of citizenship.

Visa requirements and entry rules may differ based on the passport you hold, even when traveling to the same destination as other students in your program.

If you are an international student currently studying at UTA, consult an International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) advisor before making international travel arrangements. Traveling outside the United States may affect your U.S. immigration documentation or ability to return.

Visit UTA International Student and Scholar Services

Student Visas

A visa is an authorization issued by a country that permits a traveler to enter, remain in, or study in that country under specific conditions. Depending on your destination, citizenship, program length, and type of study, you may need a student visa or another form of authorization.

Visa requirements and application procedures vary by country. Some applications require supporting documents, appointments, proof of finances, acceptance letters, or other materials.

Start by reviewing the entry and visa requirements for your destination.

  1. Check your destination's requirements. Use the U.S. Department of State's Country Information pages as a starting point if you are traveling on a U.S. passport.
  2. Confirm requirements for your citizenship. If you hold a non-U.S. passport, consult the official immigration or consular website for your destination and the relevant authorities for your citizenship.
  3. Review your program instructions. Your host institution or program provider may supply information about the appropriate visa category and application process.
  4. Contact the UTA Study Abroad Office if you have questions. We can help you identify relevant resources and understand program-related requirements, but you are responsible for researching and obtaining the required travel authorization.

DO not assume that another student in your program has the same requirements as you. Requirements can vary based on nationality, destination, and length of stay.

Requirements vary by country and visa type, but you may be asked to provide:

  • A valid passport
  • An official acceptance letter from your host institution or program provider
  • A completed visa application
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Proof of accommodation or travel arrangements
  • Health insurance documentation
  • Additional supporting documents required by the destination country

This list is a general guide, not a complete set of requirements. Always follow the official checklist for your specific visa application.

Begin researching visa requirements as soon as you know your destination and program dates. Some countries require an official acceptance letter or other documents before you can submit your application.

Keep in mind:

  • Visa applications may take several weeks or longer to process.
  • Some consulates require appointments, and appointment availability may be limited.
  • Additional documentation may be requested during the application process.
  • Visa application fees are generally separate from study abroad program costs.
  • You may need to submit your passport during processing, which could affect other travel plans.

Follow the official instructions provided by the destination country's embassy, consulate, or immigration authority. Do not wait until shortly before departure to begin the process.

Students are responsible for understanding the entry requirements for their destination and obtaining any required visa or travel authorization before departure.

The UTA Study Abroad Office can assist with identifying relevant resources and understanding program-related instructions. Your host institution or program provider may also offer guidance or supporting documentation.

However, you are responsible for completing your visa application, meeting deadlines, paying applicable fees, and ensuring you have the required documents before traveling.

If you are unseure where to begin, contact the UTA Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@uta.edu.

Before You Depart: Travel Document Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare your travel documents before departure.

  1. Confirm that your passport is valid for the required period.
  2. Research passport, visa, and entry requirements for your destination.
  3. Confirm whether you need a student visa or other travel authorization.
  4. Apply for required documents early and monitor application progress.
  5. Review your host institution's or provider's instructions.
  6. Confirm you passport and visa details match your travel documents.
  7. Make secure copies of your passport identification page, visa, and other important documents.
  8. Keep copies separate from your original documents and ensure you can access them if your phone is unavailable.
  9. If you are an international student at UTA, consult ISSS about your U.S. immigration documents and plans for returning to the U.S.

If you mail a passport or visa application, use a trackable mailing service and retain your tracking information.

Helpful Resources

UTA Passport Office U.S. Department of State – U.S. Passports U.S. Department of State – Country Information U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisories UTA International Student and Scholar Services