Stress Free Visa Programs
It's a common misconception that in order to study abroad you have to go through a lot of paperwork, appointments, and consulate visits before you even leave the country-- but that's not always true! Find below all of our programs with either no visa, easy residence permits upon arrival, or visas that can be applied for from your couch.
Looking at summer? Most summer programs don't require visas!
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Icons indicate this country offers the following:
| ÌýÌýOutdoor Adventures | ÌýÌýSki Resort Access | ÌýÌýSurfing Access | ÌýÌýBeaches |
| ÌýÌýBig City | ÌýÌýMid-Size City | ÌýÌýSmall City | ÌýÌýTop University |
| ÌýÌýWalkable City | ÌýÌýBikeable City | ÌýÌýSustainability Focus | ÌýÌýCollege Town |
ÌýÌýOn The Map Scholarship Eligible | |||
Note: Some exceptions to this visa guidance may apply depending on program and other circumstances (ex. choosing to work, intern, or volunteer; visa process changes, etc.).
ÌýÌýImportant note:
This information is based off U.S. passport holder requirements. If you don’t hold a U.S. passport, the process may look different for you. See our Passports & Visas page for more info.
No Visa
These programs require no visa processes or an extremely easy, online form pre-departure. All you need is a valid passport!
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Costa Rica offers vibrant rainforests, warm beaches, and the relaxed, positive attitude of la pura vida. You can study a wide variety of topics in Monteverde or San Jose, including studying ecology, conservation, or sustainability up close living on a research station in the Cloud Forest.
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Panama offers access to both Pacific and Atlantic white-sand beaches, diverse rainforest wildlife, and the busy metropolis of Panama City-- sometimes all in one day!
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From towering Machu Picchu to colorful Rainbow Mountain and the bustling cultural of Lima and Cusco, Peru is a must-see for any world traveler.
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The United Kingdom offers a wide range of programs for every type of student, from massive metropolitan centers like London and Edinburgh to charming university towns like Lancaster and Brighton.
Several programs travel to multiple countries over the course of the semester. Because students are staying in each country for a relatively short period of time (a few days to a few weeks depending on the program), they frequently don’t need visas – or if they do, the visa process is generally fairly quick and easy.
Note: Please visit our Schengen Area Rules for Visa-Free Europe Programs page if you are considering 2+ blocks in Europe on CIEE Open Campus.
Visa After Arrival
These programs require a simple visa or residence permit some time after you arrive in-country. These processes are usually straightforward and will be completed with the support of your study abroad program staff. All you need before departure is a valid passport!*
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Nicknamed the "Jewel of Africa", Botswana offers both world-renowned wildlife preserves like the Okavango Delta and the laid-back pace of city life in Gabarone. It is also one of the safest and most peaceful countries in Africa, ranking 43rd on the (U.S. ranks 128th).Ìý
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The last two years in a row our Ed Abroad Photo Contest winners have been from programs based in Chile-- for a reason. It offers a perfect combination of Chilean city life for your school days, then breathtaking trips to skiable mountains, surfable beaches, and otherworldly regions like Patagonia in your free time.
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Are you looking for a semester of eternal summer? Look no further than Colombia! Enjoy tropical weather year round and adventures ranging from forest hikes to lounging by the sea by day, then salsa dancing and exceptional food by night.
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Copenhagen is the perfect destination for cozy hygge vibes, highly walkable city life, and understanding sustainable living in practice. And if you love to bike, you'll feel right at home.
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Whether you want to study language & politics in the Andean city of Quito or go the tropical Galapagos Islands to study some of Earth's most unique animals up close, Ecuador has something for every student's interests!
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Study abroad in Cairo, where both ancient civilization and modern life meet! Students love all of that Egypt has to offer including 4000 year old pyramids, dozens of museums, and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
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Students who are considering Europe should not overlook Tallinn, Estonia! This is not only a great location to practice Russian language, it's also home to picturesque cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and easy access to Scandinavia and Eastern Europe by land, sea, and sky.
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We offer programs in 7 cities in Germany, so whether you're looking for the offbeat, historic city vibes of Berlin or more of a college vibe more like Boulder in Regensberg or something in-between, every student can find their place. There are lots of great options for STEM students too!
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Ireland is home to rolling green hills, picturesque cities, and world-renowned universities, making it a fantastic option for studying abroad. There are also great nearby, affordable trips for those looking to get out of the city, like the Cliffs of Moher & Glendalough, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain.
U.S. citizens have the option of either getting a visa upon arrival at the airport, or applying for the visa in advance. If you apply in advance, it’s just a quick online application!
Students enter Morocco visa-free (you’ll get a tourist stamp at the airport). Once on-site, the program staff will help you extend your status for the full semester.
U.S. citizens studying in the Netherlands for more than 90 days will apply for a residence permit. Part of this process happens before you leave (it’s a quick online form) and then the rest of the process takes place after you arrive on-site with the assistance of the program staff.
Online Visa
These programs do require a little work beforehand, but the entire process can be completed online. You may need to gather some documents, depending on the visa, but U.S. citizens usually will not need to mail a physical application or make any consulate visits.
Australia requires a visa application, but this process takes place entirely online.
Note that the Australian visa is one of the most expensive out there (it’s ~ $1000!), but we build this cost into the . However, you will still need to be prepared for this up-front cost before scholarships or financial aid apply.
While Cambodia requires you to apply for a visa in advance, the process is a straightforward online application.
New Zealand requires a visa application, but this process takes place entirely online.
This visa costs several hundred dollars, but we build this cost into the . However, you will still need to be prepared for this up-front cost before scholarships or financial aid apply.
U.S. citizens studying in Singapore for over 90 days have to apply for a Student Pass prior to departure. There are several steps, but they all are online.
You'll have to apply for either a student or a visitor pass (depending on the process), but it is entirely online.
Visa-Free Programs in Countries that Normally Require Visas
Some providers offer programs that are less than 90 days, allowing students to bypass lengthier visa processes for select countries. However, because these programs rely on the 90-day visa-free tourist status that U.S. passport holders receive in these countries, students need to be aware that independent international travel before or after their program dates will be restricted.
- (two blocks)
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- (without direct enroll option)
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- (11 week session)
For students looking at one of the listed Europe programs, be sure to read our Schengen Rules explainer for a full breakdown of these travel restrictions.
Disclaimer:
This list is for informational purposes only and is intended to be a supplementary resource based off previous student experiences. Visa requirements can change at any time. You are responsible for knowing and addressing the current visa requirements for your host country.
Education Abroad and the University of Colorado Boulder are not responsible for obtaining student visas nor are they in any way responsible for visa complications, delays, or visa denials.
ÌýÌýNew Zealand by Susan Morrell