Passports & Visas

Passports & Visas
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Passports & Visas

Passport Requirements

All participants must have a valid passport to travel abroad with Therapy Abroad. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your program end date. Many airlines and immigration authorities strictly enforce this rule.

  • If you don’t yet have a passport, apply as soon as possible through your local passport agency.

  • If you already have a passport, check the expiration date now and renew early if needed.

Important Exception: U.S. Citizens traveling on a Therapy Abroad program to Puerto Rico do not need a passport, as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) is sufficient for travel.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship and the country where your program takes place. Therapy Abroad will provide detailed guidance specific to your program location.

  • Most U.S. citizens participating in our programs do not need a visa for short-term study and cultural exchange.

  • Non-U.S. citizens should check with the embassy or consulate of the host country for specific entry requirements.

Program-Specific Guidance

Once enrolled, you’ll receive a pre-departure packet with the latest entry requirements for your destination, including whether you’ll need a visa, proof of onward travel, or additional documentation. Therapy Abroad staff will help walk you through the process if a visa is required.

Helpful Tips

  • Make two copies of your passport’s photo page—one to bring with you (kept separate from your passport) and one to leave with a family member at home.

  • Some countries may require proof of vaccinations or specific travel documents in addition to a passport/visa. This will be covered in your pre-departure orientation.

  • Always carry your passport in a safe, secure place while traveling.

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Visa Requirements (Tourist Entry)

All Therapy Abroad students travel as tourists. This means you do not need a student visa or special study permit for your program. Visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship and destination. Below are general guidelines for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the embassy or consulate of their destination country.

Belize

  • No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 30 days.

  • Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond entry.

Puerto Rico

  • No visa or passport required for U.S. citizens (Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory).

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID) is sufficient.

Dominica

  • No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 6 months.

Dominican Republic

  • Tourist card required, which is included in the cost of your airline ticket.

  • No separate visa required for short-term stays.

Ireland & Scotland (United Kingdom)

  • No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days.

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.

Bulgaria & Greece (Schengen Zone)

  • No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  • Travel to these countries counts toward your total days in the Schengen Zone.

Costa Rica

  • No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days.

  • Proof of onward travel (return ticket) is required.

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For U.S. Green Card Holders & Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are a U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or a non-U.S. citizen:

  • You must travel with your valid passport from your country of citizenship. A U.S. Green Card by itself is not enough for international travel.

  • Visa requirements may differ from those listed above for U.S. citizens. You are responsible for checking with the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm entry requirements.

  • Some countries may require you to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Processing times can vary, so begin this process early.

  • Therapy Abroad will provide supporting documents (such as program confirmation letters) if needed for your visa application.

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Of all the paths you take in life, make sure that a few of them are dirt.

John Muir