Visas, Passports, and Work Permits Abroad

For international research projects involving travel to a foreign country, University researchers must follow applicable passport and visa requirements in the locales in which they will operate. The following is intended to be a general resource regarding passports and visas for researchers to consider as they plan their international research projects.

Passports

Researchers should ensure that they and any project staff that will travel to a foreign country for research have current passports.

• U.S. citizens can apply for a passport directly through the U.S. State Department. Please review the processing times and expedited services.
• Non-U.S. citizens can obtain a visa from the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S.
• Passports should be valid for 6 months beyond the date of return.

Visas and work permits

Prior to travel, researchers should also confirm applicable in-country visa requirements. A visa is required to travel to a foreign country unless the country offers a “visa waiver” for certain types of travel and countries.

Work conducted in a foreign country should be done under appropriate visa categories (such as academic, business, or research visas). Unless specifically allowable, work should not be conducted under a “tourist” or similar visa.

University researchers should remain in the foreign country in which they are conducting research for only so long as the applicable visa category allows. As some visas can take months to process, researchers should address applicable visa requirements early in their planning.

Researchers may be required to show proof of evacuation and repatriation coverage to obtain a visa or other travel document. Requests for proof of coverage may be made online. In order to receive the proof of coverage letter, the travel must be considered “University-Sponsored or Supported Travel”.

Review the University’s International Travel & Program Development Policy for information on the types of travel that are considered University-Sponsored or Supported Travel.

VisaCentral Portal

The University has negotiated a reduced rate with VisaCentral, a visa and passport services vendor. For a fee, VisaCentral can assist researchers with routine and expedited applications.

Access the VisaCentral Portal