Passports And Visas
Schedule an appointment
If you have questions, schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor.
Passports
All students studying outside their home country are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require that passports are valid for six months after the end-date of a study abroad program.
GPS recommends students renew their passports (or apply for a passport) early if needed, as it can take 5-6 months for a passport renewal. For more information about passport renewal, visit the Department of State website.
| Intended Term Abroad | Passport Should Remain Valid Through |
|---|---|
| Fall | Late June of the following calendar year |
| Spring | Late November of the same calendar year |
| Summer | Mid-February of the following calendar year |
Visas
A visa is an endorsement placed within a passport that allows you to stay in a country longer than if you were traveling solely for tourism. Most semester study abroad and some summer abroad programs require a visa to enter the country.
- Visa requirements are determined by the country where you are planning to study. Wake Forest does not have control over these requirements.
- The Center for Global Programs or your program provider will send instructions on the visa process and can help answer questions about the process. However, it is your responsibility to obtain your visa prior to the program.
- Some countries require you to apply for a visa in-person at their Consulate. These Consulate locations may include cities outside of North Carolina, so travel may be required.
- Some countries require that you surrender your passport for several weeks while the visa is processing. Depending on the travel dates, there may be certain dates when traveling internationally prior to the program would make it very difficult to apply for a visa in time for your abroad program
Until you have received your visa, you are advised to refrain from making international travel plans in the months preceding your study-abroad semester
Global Programs and Studies Visa Website
For additional information about visas for studying abroad, visit the Global Programs and Studies Visa website.