Passport and Visa Information

Passport
You will need a valid passport to study abroad and most countries require it to expire no less than 6-12 months from the end of your study abroad program. If you need to apply for or renew your passport, start before you submit your study abroad application!
Visas
Many countries require that foreign students have a visa, an official document giving permission to enter a country. It may be in the form of a stamp imprinted on a page in your passport or it might be an official document which includes a photograph. As they vary from country to country, you need to check for up-to-date visa and entry requirements with your program and the consulate/embassy.
To apply for a student visa you may need to visit the consulate nearest your permanent address or in New York City depending upon the country. When applying, make sure to check what documents you will need to submit along with your visa application and fee. These might include: your passport, a letter for immigration authorities, and the acceptance letter from your study abroad program/institution. You may also be required to submit one or more photographs, evidence of financial support during your period of study abroad (i.e. bank statement), and proof of medical insurance.
- We will provide a letter confirming enrollment in your Study Abroad Program
- Visa applications typically can be submitted 3-6 months before travel
- If your visa requires an in-person document submission, you will not have your passport while your visa is processed. You will not be able to travel internationally during this time, and US citizens must have a Real ID in order to fly domestically. If your passport is your only official government-issued ID, you should obtain another form of ID before applying for a visa
- If you are planning to study abroad in more than one country in a year, you must check the visa requirements for both countries. It is usually not possible to apply for a visa from outside of your home country.
Notary
Some visa application documents may require you to sign them in the presence of a Notary. You can book an appointment with a member of the study abroad office team who is a notary here. Please bring your unsigned documents and proof of identification with you to your appointment.
-
Most students will not need to apply for a visa. Visit the United Kingdom and Visa Immigration's website to check if you will require a visa.
Most students will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. To check whether you need an ETA and to apply please visit the United Kingdom and Visa Immigration's website. Additional guidance about what documents are recommended for travel can be found in your study abroad portal after acceptance.
If you are planning to study abroad multiple times in London, please check the United Kingdom and Visa Immigration's website to ensure you are following proper procedures.
-
Most students will need to apply for a Spanish visa in advance of their semester abroad. The Office of Study Abroad will schedule a group appointment with the New York Spanish Consulate for students studying in Spain. A list of materials required for a Spanish Visa application can be found in your study abroad portal after acceptance.
-
Students studying abroad in Partner/Exchange semester programs will have to follow the visa procedures for that program's country. Please review the below chart for basic visa guidance. Students requiring in person appointments can schedule at NY consulates or at the consulate local to the student's residence. Cost for visa applications can vary per country, and Fordham students can reach out to our office for assistance in preparing for their visa applications.
Visa requirements and cost may vary by student nationality, duration of study abroad (semester vs. academic year), and consulate/embassy location.
Country Visa Notes for Semester Abroad
Visa Cost (Est.) Argentina Visa Required for US Citizens, process completed online $150 Australia
Visa Required for US Citizens, process completed online $1020 Austria
Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $162 Botswana Visa Required, in person meeting required. $0 Brazil Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $160 Cambodia Visa Required $120 Chile US Citizens acquire visa on-site. $0 Costa Rica US Citizens acquire visa on-site. $0 Czech Republic Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $108 Denmark US Citizens acquire residence permit on-site. $325 Dominican Rep. Visa Required for US Citizens. $75 France
Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $500 Germany US Citizens acquire residence permit on-site. $60 Ghana Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $240 Greece Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $160 Hungary US Citizens acquire residence permit on-site. $80 Ireland US Citizens acquire residence permit on-site. $350 Italy Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $55 Japan Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $22 Jordan Visa Required for US Citizens, process completed online or at airport on arrival. $85 Kazakhstan Visa Required for US Citizens, application documents submitted by mail. $185 Kenya ETA Required for US Citizens, process completed online. Student visa acquired on site $100 Mexico No Visa required for US Citizens $0 Morocco No Visa required for US Citizens $0 Netherlands US Citizens acquire residence permit on-site $275 New Zealand Visa Required for US Citizens, process completed online $100 Peru US Citizens acquire Tourist Visa on site, student pay per day beyond 90 days to extend stay. $50 Philippines
US Citizens enter with Tourist Visa, then acquire Student Visa on site. $175 Portugal Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $150 Senegal
Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $100 Singapore Visa Required for US Citizens, process completed online $85 South Korea Visa Required for US Citizens, in person meeting required. $60 South Africa Visa Required for US Citizens, application submitted by mail to Marquette. $36 Spain Visa Required for US Citizens, application submitted by Fordham or individual appointment. $160 Sweden US Citizens apply for residence permit online before semester, receive permit on site. $140 Taiwan Visa Required for US Citizens, process completed online $185 Tanzania US Citizens enter with Tourist Visa, then acquire Student Visa on site. $100 Thailand Visa Required for US Citizens, application submitted by mail. $100 Turkey Visa Required for US Citizens, process completed online, residence permit acquired on site. $70 UAE Visa Required for US Citizens, student must cancel visa at end of program. $1112 United Kingdom No Visa required for US Citizens unless interning. Electronic Travel Authorization required. $22 USA-California No additional visa required. $0 In late 2026, Europe is planning to introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETIAS) process for foreign nationals wishing to travel to any of these 30 European Nations. To check whether you will need an ETIAS and learn more please visit the European Union's website.
Resources and information for returning to the US
Have questions about applying for a passport, visa, or ETA/ETIAS? Contact us