Passport and Visa Info

Participants are required to hold a valid U.S. passport. If you do not have a passport, apply early. This process usually takes about 4-6 weeks. A passport application can be picked up at any post office or downloaded here. Prospective students should start the passport application as soon as possible.

To enter China, you need a visa as well as six months' validity remaining on your passport. Entry and exit requirements are strictly enforced and your passport and visa will be needed to both enter the country and exit the country.

You will be applying for a Tourist Visa (L Visa) which is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for a short stay for tourism, family visit or other personal affairs. As part of applying for this visa, you must have purchased your roundtrip airline ticket - a copy of which will be used as part of your visa application. For more information about applying for a Tourist Visa (L Visa) visit the China embassy website at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/adr/.

Visits to Hong Kong or Macao will require a different type of visa.

For China Country Specific information including Entry/Exit Requirements visit the State Department website at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.htm

If you have a passport from a country other than the United States, you will need to contact the consulate of the country of your destination to ask about your specific Visa requirements.

We also recommend that you sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before embarking on your study abroad program to receive the latest travel updates and information.

Health Precautions

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. Please note that the CDC recommends that travelers to China ensure that their polio vaccinations are up to date. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. Consult with your personal physician or the University health center at least a month prior to travelling to assist you in determining your specific immunization needs.