Thailand 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

U.S. passport holders must obtain a student visa prior to departure. A student visa is permission by a foreign government to live and study in that country.

It’s not possible to apply for a student visa more than 90 days before departure, however, please apply early within this time period to ensure you receive your visa in time for the program. The application process is completed entirely online and does not require an in-person appointment at the consulate.

Traveling internationally prior to the start of your study abroad program could impact your visa or visa application process and is discouraged.

Thai student visas are typically valid for 90-day periods. During on-site orientation, the USAC staff will explain how to renew the student visa for the program duration, if applicable. All visa related costs are your responsibility.

Further information will be posted to your Student Gateway account in the Visa Guide. You will receive this after you’ve been accepted into the program, about four months prior to the program start. The Program Advisor in the Central Office is also available to answer visa questions you may have.

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.