Documents, Tickets and Visas

Getting your passport is one of the first things you can begin to organise. If you don’t already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible. Australian citizens should follow the instructions set out on the Australian Passport Office

Many host universities will require a colour copy of your passport with your application form. You can often submit the passport page later, but it’s far simpler to get that done as soon as possible.

Even if you already have a valid passport, check that it’s valid for at least six months after your anticipated return date. Most countries will not allow you entry if your passport is too close to the expiry date.

Applying for and obtaining a visa for the country in which you’ll be studying is solely your responsibility and not the responsibility of the University. UniSA cannot advise on visas. Please refer specific questions to the embassy/consulate of your host country, or to the facilitator of your overseas program.

• You should only apply for your visa once you’ve received acceptance from your host provider or university.
• By the time you get formal acceptance, you should already have researched the website of the embassy/consulate of your host country to find out:
  • What type of visa you’ll need (if any)
  • Where and how to apply for it
  • What documents will be required
  • Estimated processing time
  • Any associated costs
• Be aware that you might need a visa for some countries even if you’ll only be transiting through (e.g., transiting to Canada via the USA).
• Once you’ve been formally accepted by your host institution or provider, apply for your visa straight away. Don’t leave your application until the last minute as it can sometimes take months to process. Delaying could mean you don’t receive your visa in time and need to delay your overseas program. If in doubt, or in a rush, contact the relevant embassy or consulate for your destination for advice and assistance.
• International students should also be aware that you may have to apply for your visa in your home country, or that additional time may be required to process your application.
• If you’re planning on working while you’re overseas, check with the embassy/consulate whether your visa type permits paid work, and what conditions are attached.

General Visa Considerations

• You may need a recent medical check-up and/or proof of vaccination to obtain your visa. This will take additional time to arrange so again, plan ahead.
• In some cases, you’ll need to visit the foreign embassy/consulate in person to lodge your application, which could be interstate. Make sure you factor this into your planning and budgeting.
• If you’re applying for your visa by mail, use registered post or a courier as you’ll have to include your passport in the package
• If you’re an international student studying in Australia, consider what impact taking part in a mobility program will have on your Australian student visa. Always be sure to check with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
• Be aware of your host country’s rules and restrictions governing visas and your length of stay. It can be incredibly difficult for you if you overstay your visa. You could be fined, arrested, deported, or forced into a lengthy bureaucratic process.

It’s really important to check the customs and quarantine regulations of the countries you’re entering. Items that seem harmless to you, and that are commonplace at home, may be illegal to transport. Breaking the rules can mean heavy fines and potentially even criminal charges. A travel agent (or Google) may be able to provide you with the information you need.

You may want to buy TSA (Transport Security Administration) approved luggage locks. These are specially designed locks that can be opened (and locked again) by customs and security officers. This reduces the likelihood of theft because of broken luggage locks. You can purchase these locks from travel shops, luggage shops, or from the luggage and travel sections of department stores.

You should be aware that airports have strict security requirements. There are also strict rules for taking liquids, aerosols, gels, and sometimes electronics on flights into and out of Australia in carry-on baggage.

Some documents you just don’t want to risk losing – your passport and your visa are two examples! Keep these documents with you wherever practical and take good care of them.

For extra safety, make a photocopy of key documents, and also scan them and save them digitally. We recommend making copies of passport, visas, airline ticket, credit cards, and acceptance letters. Pack one copy in your hand luggage and leave one copy at home with a trusted relative or friend. This will speed up replacement should anything be lost or stolen.

We also recommend taking a few extra passport/ID photos with you. These can be invaluable if you try to extend your visa, get a visa for a third country, or do other official business.

Getting your tickets can be one of the more exciting parts of travel preparation but avoid getting them too soon. If your plans change for any reason, altering or cancelling tickets can be hugely expensive!

You can research your options and obtain quotes early on, but we recommend not to confirm or pay for your flight booking until you have received:

• Your full acceptance from UniSA Global Opportunities (including Program Director’s credit approval);
• Your host university or host provider acceptance, and if possible;
• Your visa

Finalising your travel arrangements without your visa is risky. If you can’t obtain a visa or are unable to travel for some reason, you’re likely to still be liable for the cost of the flights.

When you’re ready to book your flights, check and triple check:

• The airport you’re flying into (some cities have multiple airports)
• The date you’re expected in country and the date you’ll arrive (you might lose a day if travelling through multiple time zones)
• All transit details including number and duration of layovers, and whether you’ll need to change airports or terminals during transit
• What time you’ll be arriving at your destination (where possible we suggest you avoid arriving after dark, or on a public holiday)