Scotland Passport and Visa Information

Passport

To study abroad, you must have a signed, valid passport from your country of citizenship that will not expire for a minimum of six months after your planned return date. If you do not have a passport, or it's about to expire, make sure you apply or renew as soon as possible! U.S. Citizens can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information about passports and processing time.

Visa

A Student Visa is official permission by a foreign government to live and study in that country. It typically comes in the form of a stamp that is inserted directly into your passport. A Student Visa is required for all yearlong students.

Yearlong students are required to apply for and obtain a Student Visa prior to departure. Students applying for a Student Visa will submit the application online. However, visa applicants will be required to appear in person at a biometrics facility to complete this process. Traveling internationally prior to the start of your study abroad program could interfere with your visa application process, as you will be required to mail your physical passport during the application.

Further information will be posted to your USAC Student Gateway account in the Visa Guide, which you will receive after you have been accepted into your USAC program (typically four months prior to the program start). USAC Program Advisors in the Central Office are also available to answer any visa questions you may have.

All costs related to obtaining a visa, including travel, are your responsibility.

Electronic Travel Authorization requirement

On January 8, 2025, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) will be required for all U.S. citizens entering the United Kingdom (U.K.). This requirement applies to all travel, including study abroad, tourism, or other reasons. Airlines will check to make sure all passengers have an ETA prior to boarding.

U.S. citizens will be able to apply for an ETA starting on November 27, 2024.

All USAC Scotland study abroad students must obtain an ETA prior to their arrival. It will cost 10 GBP. Please submit an application at least 72 hours in advance of your departure. While the ETA is valid for two years upon receipt, study abroad students are still limited to a six month stay in the U.K. without a visa. It does not extend the timeline of a valid student visa.

Non-U.S. citizens

Check with your home country consulate, as well as the embassy of the country in which you plan to study, regarding visa requirements. Permanent Residents of the U.S. should check with U.S. Immigration as leaving the country for more than one year may jeopardize permanent resident status. Tax clearance and re-entry forms may also be necessary in these cases. If you are from a non-English speaking country, you may be required to submit an English proficiency exam or certificate.