Passports, Visas & Travel Plans

Passports

A passport is an official government document proving your identity and citizenship when travelling internationally.

You must hold a valid passport for the entire duration of your time overseas. Australian citizens can obtain passport application forms from Australia Post offices around Australia (including the post office on campus). You should apply for your passport as soon as you are accepted to the Exchange Program.

If you already have a passport, please check the expiry date to ensure that it lasts for at least 6 months after your expected return to Australia. You may be refused entry to your host country (and other countries you may be traveling to) if your passport does not have at least 6 months remaining. As this is a requirement of many countries, we recommend that you renew your passport as soon as possible.

Australian citizens should phone the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232 or visit www.passports.gov.au for further information. International students should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of their home country for passport advice.

Visas

A visa is a permit authorising a non-citizen to travel to, enter, transit or remain in a specific country for a stated purpose and time.

As an exchange student, you will usually be required to apply for a student visa to your host country and a tourist visa for any other countries you may be travelling to.

You will apply for your student visa after you have received your formal 'letter of acceptance' and/or visa paperwork from your host university.

Because visa requirements are constantly changing and because UOW's International Exchange Program encompasses so many countries, the Study Abroad and Exchange Office is not able to offer visa advice. Students are encouraged to conduct independent research into visa requirements and to speak with representatives from the relevant consulates or embassies.  

Flights & Travel Plans

Although it is never too early to start investigating the cost and availability of flights to your exchange destination, you should not finalise any travel plans until you have received an official acceptance to your host university and your student visa.