Passport, Visas and other Key Logistical Information

Passports

What is a passport?

U.S. citizens: You need a passport to leave and re-enter the U.S. If you do not yet have a VALID passport (check the passport expiration date), you should obtain one AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! It can take up to a month or more for a passport to be issued. It is very important that your passport remain valid for your entire time abroad.

Non-U.S. Citizens: Please be sure your passport will be valid for the amount of time you will be away. International students at Brown should also be sure to check in the Office of International Student Scholar Services regarding leaving Brown for study abroad and all other relevant immigration issues.

How do I obtain/renew my passport?

Applications and more information is available online.

Please note: Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return to the U.S. If it has expired, will expire while you are abroad, or will expire less than six months after your scheduled return, you must renew it immediately. Please check with the appropriate consulate to verify country specific regulations.

Visas

What is a visa?

A visa is an official authorization given by a country’s government that allows you to enter that country and stay for a specific period of time.

How do I learn about the visa process?

You should begin researching visa processes as early as possible. If you plan to study on a Brown program, OIP staff members will provide you with the appropriate information. If you plan to study on an alternative program you should receive visa information directly from your program. *note- if you are directly enrolling at a University, you should speak with an OIP staff member.

Who needs a visa?

The majority of students will need a visa. Some exceptions apply. Work with your study abroad advisor or program to determine visa requirements.

How do I apply for a visa?

In most cases you will be responsible for obtaining a visa on your own.

In some cases Brown or your program will obtain a visa on your behalf; however, it will be your responsibility to submit the required documentation by the outlined deadlines.

Where will I obtain a visa?

In most cases students apply for visas in one of two locations:

1. As a Brown Student you may use your country specific consulate in Boston (if applicable).
2. You may apply for a visa at the consulate that has jurisdiction over your permanent state of residence.

In some cases you will be required to apply for your visa in person at the consulate. In other cases you may be able to submit your visa application and documents via courier. See specific consulate websites for details.

What if I have international travel plans?

Please be mindful of visa processing times. In some cases it may take up to ten weeks to process your visa. During this time you will not be in possession of your passport. Keep this in mind when making vacation plans!

Are you planning to study in two separate locations during the academic year?

Consult with your study abroad advisor as soon as possible to determine the feasibility of your plans. You may need a visa for each separate location.

Will it cost money to apply for a visa?

Visa processing fees vary. See specific consulate website for details.

Travel Health Resources

Immunization

Check with your program and/or the Travel Clinic at Miriam Hospital in Providence (401-793-4075) or Brown Health Services (3-1001) to see if you need any inoculations before your trip or medicine to take with you.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is another helpful resource. This is a comprehensive, government-run resource that lists all current outbreaks, diseases, and available vaccinations. It can be searched by region and also offers pointers on how to best maintain health and what practices to avoid or embrace while abroad.

Insurance

All study abroad programs require health, repatriation and sometimes evacuation insurance. Check with your program and your parents and guardians to verify that your insurance will cover you while overseas. Don't leave home without it!

Additional Concerns

Also please look at our information regarding: Study Abroad and Health and Program Safety Concerns.