Travel Logistics

Book a Flight

Do not purchase a flight until you have been accepted into your program and received a visa (if applicable). If participating in a Faculty-Led International Program (FLIP), wait until the FLIP has been confirmed full and flight instructions have been provided to you by your FLIP Program Leader. Travel through countries or regions that have a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory of level 3 or 4 is strictly prohibited. The Mexican State of Chihuahua, which includes Ciudad Juarez, is currently under a Level 3 Travel Advisory. Do not purchase a flight originating in or transiting through one of these areas. You will be responsible for the cost of re-booking an appropriate flight if these guidelines are not followed.

 

Online Travel Search Engines

Although somewhat less predictable than using a travel agent, booking a flight online through websites such as Expedia, CheapoAir, Travelocity, Kayak, etc. can save travelers a considerable amount of money. Online agencies, however, offer significantly less customer support than the personal service given by a travel agent. In the event of an emergency, it may be difficult to contact a customer service representative to make changes to your flight itinerary. Read the fine print before booking a flight through these websites and save copies of all your itineraries and receipts.

 

Passports

 A Passport is a travel document usually issued by a country's government to its citizens, that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder, primarily for the purpose of international travel. All students must have a passport in order to participate in any education abroad program, and it must be valid for at least 6 months past the end date of your program of study.


How to Apply for a Passport
Information about how to apply for a passport, or how to renew a passport that is about to expire, can be found on the U.S. Department of State U.S. Passports How to Apply website. You may apply for a passport or renew a passport at the NMSU Passport Acceptance Facility or any US Passport Service Location. Regular passport processing times are typically 4-6 weeks. Expedited passport services are available for an additional fee. General expedited services take 2-3 weeks door-to-door. If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your country of origin for information on acquiring or renewing your passport.

Visas

Many participants will need to acquire a visa prior to studying abroad. A visa is an immigration document granting approval from the host government to enter and stay in the country for a designated amount of time and for a specific purpose. The visa is often attached as a sticker in the passport. All students are required to be in possession of any required visa documentation in order to participate in their program.
  • Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa; this includes researching specific visa requirements, acquiring all necessary documents, and submitting the visa application on time. We recommend becoming familiar with the general visa process well in advance. Many visa application processes include an application, an official letter from the host university, a medical report, photos, and/or other country-specific requirements. There may also be fees associated with the visa application. To familiarize yourself with visa requirements, refer to your host country’s embassy webpage. You can find your host country’s embassy webpage through the U.S. Department of State’s webpage under Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements. Another good resource is the U.S. Department of State's Students Abroad website.
  • Education Abroad advisors may be able to provide some guidance to students during the visa process, but please be aware that only the immigration officials of your host country can answer specific visa questions.
  • Not every country requires a visa for US citizens; requirements and policies will often differ based on a person’s nationality.
  • Some countries have specific immigration requirements that may limit or prohibit entry based on citizenship.
  • Some students may be able to apply for a visa online or through the mail; others may have to appear in person at an embassy or consulate to submit their application. Students required to submit their application in person will be responsible for any additional costs associated with travel to/from the embassy or consulate.
  • In many cases, students cannot apply for a visa more than 90 days in advance of their travel.

Independent Travel Prior to the Start of Education Abroad Programs

Please be aware that the visa application process for some countries may require students to surrender their passports for several weeks or months prior to the start of the Education Abroad program. This may impact students' independent travel plans (including travel over summer or winter break, and/or early departure prior to their program). Visa requirements should be researched and considered by all applicants prior to planning independent travel.