Visa Resources for International Students Traveling on Global Courses

Students choosing to travel internationally with global courses may be required to obtain a tourist visa for their time abroad. While Rice Business will provide documentation support, students are ultimately responsible for managing and acquiring their visa. This webpage is intended to serve as a resource for students as they navigate the visa process.

Do I need a visa?

As a general rule, U.S. passport holders will not require a visa to travel on global courses. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please research the tourist visa policies associated with your passport and your travel destination. Visa types and timelines may differ depending on citizenship and F1 visa status (if applicable).

There are several websites which serve as visa management agencies that indicates which citizens need tourist visas. Houston also has a plethora of agencies that specialize in visa processing so feel free to research the many options available if you wish to utilize a service rather than apply on your own. For the most updated information regarding visa expectations, you are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate consulate or embassy. Students can also use the "Trip Planner" function in the International SOS app to identify visa needs. View Rice Business ISOS Membership information here.

When applying, students traveling on the GFE must apply for a TOURIST VISA.

Visa processing timeframes vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the country and the individual. Students applying for a visa with the intent to travel on a global course should begin their visa process as soon as they are assigned to their GFE country.

International students requiring a visa will usually have to provide:

  • Visa Application Form (usually available online on the consulate website)
  • Copy of Travel Itinerary (flight information)
  • Hotel Confirmation Letter and Travel Insurance (if you plan to stay beyond the last day of the official program, provide a hotel confirmation letter from your accommodation and travel insurance)
  • A copy of your bank statements (Usually the past 6 months; please redact the account number (your full name should be visible.)
  • Houston Police Report (Reports can be obtained at the Houston Municipal Courts Office located at 1440 Lubbock, Houston, TX 77002 or via their email or website.)
  • 2 Recent passport-size photos
  • Passport (valid for at least six months before travel)
  • If you have a USA DL or Texas ID, please share a copy.
  • In the case of an e-visa, please scan your passport and F-1 Visa page

Please check with the consulate to confirm what documents are required. You are advised to prepare all of the listed documents just in case.

Be prepared to answer the following questions when filling out the visa form:

  • Full names of both parents
  • City of birth
  • Home address
  • Phone number
  • If employed, share employer details – name, address, phone
  • Marital status
  • List cities of residence for the past 3 years – including dates, starting with current place of residence
  • Copy of resident status in the USA (you may be asked to clarify if you rent or own property)

To help you in your visa process, Rice Business will be able to provide the following documents:

Visa Cover Letter

This letter helps explain why you want to visit the country and the overall purpose of your stay. It typically outlines dates and duration of your stay.

Submit Document Request

Hotel Confirmation

This letter verifies accommodations during your time abroad. Rice Business will only provide a confirmation letter for GFE/elective program dates.

Submit Document Request

Travel Insurance

Consulates will typically require you to provide proof of insurance coverage. Rice Business provides insurance coverage for GFE/elective program dates.

Submit Document Request

Returning to the United States AFTER international travel

To get back into the U.S., you will need an I-20 with current travel endorsement on the 2nd page (travel signatures are valid for 6 months). If you need a new travel signature, please see visit this website for detailed instructions on how to request one.

Please reach out to Rice University's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) regarding traveling outside of the U.S. as an International Student.

You are also encouraged to review Homeland Security's Study in the States Guide and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Travel Information website for details regarding documentation at ports of entry.

List of Houston-Based Consulates for Common Global Course Destinations

For the most accurate information on visa and entry requirements, students are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate consulate. Please note that consulates may have limited operating hours.

Argentina

2200 W Loop S, Suite 1025
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 871-8935
Website

Brazil

5444 Westheimer Rd, Suite 1900
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 961-3063
Website | Visa By Country

Chile

1300 Post Oak Blvd, #1130
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 621-5853
Website

Colombia

5599 San Felipe, Suite #600
Houston, TX 77056
(346) 204-4664
Website (*e-visa available)

Panama

24 Greenway Plaza Ste 710,
Houston, TX 77027,
(713) 622-4451
Website

Peru

5177 Richmond Avenue, #695
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 355-9517
Website

Vietnam

5251 Westheimer Rd #300,
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 850–1233
Website (*e-visa available)