PiLA discourages partners and fellows from relying on tourist visas for the duration of a PiLA fellowship, and encourages partners and fellows to research and pursue other visa options available to them. The primary responsibility for applying for and securing a valid visa in timely fashion necessarily rests on the the fellow. Therefore fellows should begin this research as early as possible, through conversations with their host organizations and with their closest consulate. Note that long-term visa application processes can be lengthy and costly, and in some cases may require consular visits. PiLA partners are committed to assisting fellows with necessary documentation and some but not necessarily all visa-related costs. PiLA can provide a letter verifying the fellow’s status in support of this process but has limited ability to advise or provide additional support to fellows in visa-related matters. Fellows must keep PiLA and partners informed of any visa-related delays or changes in plan.