Education Abroad at UAB is unable to advise on visa processes. Each country has a specific established visa process and can vary depending upon your length of stay. We have compiled the following information to guide you through the process, but we encourage you to contact your program provider or the appropriate consulate/embassy to confirm the information.
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Passport Information for US Citizens
In order to go abroad you must have a valid passport, which is your identification as a citizen. The application takes up to four to eight weeks to process and receive. The U.S. Department of State can provide you with specific details on how to get your passport, learn about the application requirements and locations, and report a lost, or stolen passport.
For details on how to apply for your passport, visit our on-campus Passport Office.
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Visas
A visa is an entry/residency permit and official permission granted by the authorities of the country where you will study which allows you to enter and remain in that country.
Frequently, a visa is a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. It’s important to know that you should complete your visa application as soon as your host institution or affiliate provider provides you with the appropriate documents, as it may be a lengthy process. For some countries, certain medical requirements must be met before a visa will be issued. Your visa application may require you to travel to Chicago, Houston, or Washington D.C. and should be factored into the cost of your program.
If you are asked to show proof of insurance, you can generate this letter through our insurance provider, iSOS.
Without the appropriate entry documents, you may be denied entry into, or be deported from, a country. Many countries will not issue visas to persons with any type of police record.
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Resources for Passports/Visas
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Foreign Citizens
The procedures that international students will follow may be different than those for U.S. citizens. You are encouraged to contact International Student & Scholar Services to discuss your UBA immigration documents to ensure they remain in good standing during your time abroad, if appropriate.
International Student & Scholar Services cannot advise on foreign visas. It is your responsibility to determine any necessary visas for your new host country.
Important Note
We cannot issue visa documents or guarantee that visas will be granted. We have no authority over the rules imposed on entrant by a foreign government. We recognize that the visa process can be confusing, lengthy, and frustrating but we believe it is an integral part of the study abroad experience. It is common for countries to impose new sanctions on foreign citizens when other countries alter their immigration requirements. Please take responsibility for navigating the visa application process to be well-prepared to manage other unfamiliar and challenging aspects of life in your host country.