A travel visa is an official document that shows you’re allowed to enter a specific country, for a specific length of time, to do a specific activity.
Depending on your nationality and the country you’re visiting, you may require a visa prior to travel. Some visa information may be provided in the opportunity advert. The DMU Global pre-departure information session will also provide further information about visas and how to obtain one. However, please be reminded that students are responsible for finding out whether they require a visa, and if so, obtaining this. We would encourage you to look into this as soon as you have been offered a place on an overseas opportunity.
Due to various external factors and an unprecedented demand for international travel, there are significant delays in visa processing, as well as very limited availability of application appointment slots for some countries and embassies.
We recommend that you take all appropriate steps to secure a visa as soon as practically possible, and to notify DMU Global if you face any issues. It is your responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. As mentioned below, failing to do so may mean that you’re liable for the costs incurred to the university (including repayment of the DMU Global bursary).
Visa application
Before making a visa application, there are a number of important things that you need to consider as part of the process…
Application processing times – check the estimated processing times, which are not always guaranteed in busy periods, to ensure you allow enough time for your visa application. Processing times may vary dependent on your nationality or religious or national holidays observed by the embassy.
Obtaining necessary documentation – make sure you have all of the information necessary to complete the application form. The embassy website/application should contain a list of all the documents that you will need as a part of the process.
Cost – in addition to any visa application or processing fees, you may also need to consider the cost of travel to attend appointments (and overnight stay if necessary) or any associated delivery costs if the application is processed via post.
Passport validity – ensure that your passport is valid and meets the requirements of the country you are obtaining a visa for.
Previous visas – if you have previously overstayed a visa you could be refused future visas. If you have been refused a visa previously and the reason is still relevant, you would be likely to be refused again e.g. criminal record.
Please note that you are responsible for obtaining your visa. If you fail to be granted a visa in time for your opportunity, you will be liable for any costs incurred. This will also include repaying any DMU Global funding you have received.
Visa support
If you require further support or visa advice, please contact the appropriate teams as listed below:
We run the following advice sessions for students needing a Schengen visa or US visa. These will provide information about applying for a visa, and the documents and evidence required. Simply choose the session that suits you, and turn up on the day. No prior registration is necessary.
As an international student, when applying for a visa you may also need to consider the following:
Have you been in the UK long enough? You may need 3 months of UK Bank statements to support your application.
Does your UK visa have sufficient time remaining? You must have at least 90 days remaining on your UK visa after the end of your trip to be eligible for some visitor visas.
Can you show evidence of your intention to return to the UK after your trip? You may need to consider the evidence that you can provide. In addition to your travel booking this could be proof of course fees, UK accommodation fees or employment and family ties.
UK nationals traveling to the EU
Travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change from 1 January 2021. If you’re a tourist, you will not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total.
Check your passport validity
From 1 January 2021, on the day you travel you will need your passport to have at least 6 months left and be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left). This means that you may need to renew your British passport earlier. If you do not renew your passport, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Border control checks
At border control on arrival to the country you are visiting you may now need to…
Show a return or onward ticket for travel
Provide evidence that you have enough money for the duration of your stay
Use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing at passport control
