Visas are a tricky thing when planning for an overseas trip. We wanted to help clarify some confusion with this as you are preparing to leave in a few weeks for your trip!
Some countries require visas and some countries don’t. And that all can change depending on what passport you carry (aka which country your passport is from).
Some visas can be applied for before trips, some visas can be received upon arrival in the country when you go through immigration at the airport, while other countries will just stamp your passport and you are all set to travel around their country!
Confusing, right?
We are going to help simplify this for you now!
If you hold a US passport, here are the expectations:
Africa Experience:
South Africa: You’ll get a stamp in your passport upon arrival.
eSwatini: You’ll get a stamp in your passport upon arrival.
Lesotho: You’ll get a stamp in your passport upon arrival.
India/Nepal:
India: Electronic Application for Visa. You will apply for the visa electronically (on the computer) at training camp using your own personal credit card to pay for the visa (we will provide instructions and reimburse you with cash at training camp). Make sure to bring a credit card with you to training camp/on the trip, so you can apply for and obtain your visa! Note: You cannot apply for this visa more than 30 days in advance, so do not try to do this on your own before training camp. We will walk you through this process!
Nepal: You will complete an application upon arrival into the country.
Nicaragua/Guatemala:
Nicaragua: We are registering you with the Nicaraguan government in advance. You will complete an application upon arrival into the country.
Guatemala: You’ll get a stamp in your passport upon arrival.
Cambodia/Thailand:
Cambodia: You will complete an application upon arrival into the country.
Thailand: You will get a free visa on arrival, and submit an extension application your first couple weeks in Thailand.
*Remember to bring two 2×2 visa/passport photos (from Walgreens, CVS, etc.) for your visas!
South America Experience:
Colombia: You’ll get a stamp in your passport upon arrival.
Ecuador: You’ll get a stamp in your passport upon arrival.
Peru: You’ll get a stamp in your passport upon arrival.
The short of this is that none of you need to take any action before your trip (India/Nepal team, just remember your credit card!). So take a deep breath and know that we’ll guide you through this process!
**If you are a participant that holds a passport from another country, reach out to Ronny (your Semesters Advisor) to discuss the visa application process directly, since this may look different than for US passport holders.
We are excited to walk alongside you as you embark on this journey, and your team leaders will help you navigate the application process and customs process upon entry to each country on your trip!
