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VISAS
A visa is stamped on a passport by a consular or embassy official of a foreign government giving permission to the bearer to enter. If a visa is required for your trip, it is usually granted after examination of the passport, application form and supporting documents.
In the case of the study abroad student, this usually includes, but is not always limited to the program acceptance letter and current transcript. A visa is not a guarantee of entry in the country concerned. On arrival, immigration officials at the point of entry of the destination country have the final say.
Visas are issued by foreign governments and as such, the requirements for obtaining visas are entirely beyond the discretion and control of TCNJ.
The first place to obtain information about getting a visa should be your acceptance packet from your study abroad program. There should be detailed information contained within that package about the documents and procedures you will need to follow in order to obtain your visa, if a visa is required.
Most embassies and consulates request that you make an appointment on their website. If you will need a visa, TCNJ advises you to apply for it as soon as you receive your acceptance packet.
The United States Government suggests US Citizens, or residents with US passports traveling abroad, visit the following website containing Consular Information Sheets:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html
Consular Information Sheets contain pertinent information for the study abroad student including how to obtain a visa. Non-US passport holders should check with their embassy or consulate of their country of origin for information on how to obtain a foreign visa to the country of interest.
When interacting with foreign embassies and consulates be polite, and courteous. Do your homework and be prepared with the appropriate forms and documents.
Do not wait until the last minute. The embassy or consulate of your selected country may not expedite your visa.
