Student Contacts

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Passport Info

Visa Info

Pre-departure Handbook

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Culture Shock- The W Theory

Travel

Abroad Resources

 

A Word About Visas

If needed, visas must be obtained before going abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in person (Spain, Chile, etc.) in the area of his/her residence. Dean Mancini's office maintains a list of entry requirements, including addresses and phone numbers of consulates.

Obtaining a visa can take time; start early!

Things to Consider

  • It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain visas, where required, from the appropriate embassy or nearest consulate of the country you are planning to visit; however, some of the programs will assist you in obtaining a visa. Check the program information in the black binders. Remember, you cannot obtain a visa until you have a valid passport. The visa is usually a stamp that is placed in the passport.
  • You cannot apply for a visa until you have your official letter of acceptance. Once you recieve your acceptance letter, we recommend strongly that you immediately begin the visa application process.  Haverford will also issue you an Immigration Letter after you have been accepted. Please keep copies of these documents as you will need them to get a Visa and to enter your chosen country!
  • Visas can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the Embassy, please DO NOT make plans to leave the country until your passport is returned to you.

 


  • Remember, you are applying for a student visa and not a tourist visa.

           Note: If applying for the Corsi Singolari visa, you will need to assistance with documents and

                      translations. Please contact:

                 Dr. Comm. Claudio C. Cifoni, Corrispondente Consolare

                 per il Consolato Generale D'Italia in Filadelfia

                 Notary Public, Registered & Sworn Interpreter, Legal Translations, Assistance in Italian

                 Legal matters

      Phone: 215-477-8419

      Fax: 215-477-6912

      Email: cifoni@aol.com

  • Phone or write ahead to the consulate and be sure you know what the requirements are for obtaining a visa. Do you need photographs? Do you need to provide health insurance information? Do you need X-rays? Will the consulate require a police or FBI background check?  Do you need a bank statement?
  • Please note: if you are applying for a visa in person, remember to call the consulate regarding office hours. Many consulates are only open in the morning and are closed for local holidays.
  • If you are applying by mail send everything either certified, Fed Ex or Priority mail and enclose a pre-paid self-addressed envelope for return of you passport and documents.
  • Do be patient and polite while going through this necessary bureaucratic step.