A visa is an endorsement or official document issued by a foreign government indicating that the bearer is permitted to legally enter their country. The visa is usually stamped or glued into the holder’s passport and valid for a specified period of time. There are several different types of visas, each of which afford the bearer different rights in the host country. 

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary by host country and country of citizenship. It is your responsibility to determine if you will need a visa. Contact your study abroad program for guidance. You can use the USA.gov or if you are not a U.S. citizen, please consult CIBT visa tool as a resource. If you'll need a visa, begin the application process as soon as you receive the necessary paperwork from your study abroad program. Be mindful that you may be required to apply in person and should schedule an appointment with the appropriate embassy as soon as possible. Appointment times fill quickly, and you should not delay this until the last minute. 

You must have a valid passport in order to apply for a visa. If you plan to travel to other countries after your program, be sure to check those countries' entry requirements as well (you may need another visa).

Just as visa requirements vary, so do the required visa application materials. It is possible that you may need the following documents from Southern Connecticut State University:

• Proof of Financial Aid: This is a letter you would request directly from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

• Verification of Enrollment: You can request a letter of enrollment from the OIE's Programs Abroad Coordinator.

• Verification of Coverage for Out of Country Medical Care, Emergency Evacuation, and Repatriation of Remains: You can download a letter of verification from your SCSU CISI enrollment platform:  CISI webpage.
• Proof of Housing: Contact your specific host country’s international office or housing department.