Traveling | International Student Services | Southern Arkansas University

Baggage Limitations

Check with your travel agent or the airline that issued your ticket for details on how many bags you can check in and how many you are allowed to carry on with you. There are also strict weight limitations on some international flights.

Arrival at U.S. Port of Entry

You will go through an immigration check and customs clearance at the port of entry into the U.S. Plan on a delay of at least one or two hours for this process, especially if you have a connecting flight to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Even if the process seems long and tiring, it is important to remain friendly, polite, and completely honest. Your fingerprints and photograph will also be taken at this time.

Documents to be Submitted and Retained

At the immigration checkpoint you must submit the following documents:

Passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry
Valid Visa
Valid I-20 form

Note: A student bringing prescription medication into the U.S. should bring a letter from the physician stating what is is, what the medical condition it is for, and the quantity in their possession. Be aware that some medications used in other countries are considered illegal in the U.S. and are not permitted and, therefore, may be confiscated. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate regarding such items.

When leaving the immigration check station, make sure you have the following in your possession:

Passport with U.S. visa
- Visa stamp needs to say “F1” and “D/S”
I-20 form
Any additional letters of documents relating to financial support, scholarships, prescription medications, etc., presented to the officials. (You may want to have extra copies in case the officials need to keep the copy you present.)

Student Visit Program – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Custom Declaration

At the customs clearance point you will be asked to declare the amount of money and value of items that you are bringing into the country. You will receive a declaration form before the airplane lands. It is most important to be truthful in your declarations. You should check with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for current information concerning customs regulations.

Illegal Items

Certain items are prohibited or restricted. Information listing such items is available from the U.S. embassy of consulate.

Restricted/Prohibited Goods

Transportation Within the U.S.

If your travel plans require you to have a layover at a port of entry city such as New York or Los Angeles, please be careful. While most Americans will be helpful and honest, there is possibility of a dishonest person trying to take advantage of you being a stranger in the city. If you plan to stay overnight in the city, ask about shuttle service from the airport to the hotel when you make your reservation. Free transportation from the airport to the hotel may be provided by the hotel. If you need to use a taxicab, use only those clearly marked as a taxi with a properly identified driver. Be sure you know the cost of the ride before you get into the taxi.

Transportation to SAU

You should plan to arrive at the Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK) in Texarkana, Arkansas or in El Dorado Regional Airport (ELD). These airports connects with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. This is the ONLY airport we pick up students from and we cannot provide transportation from other cities. There is no public transportation between Texarkana and Magnolia, and Magnolia does not have a public transportation system as well.

Please complete the Transportation Request form as soon as you make your travel plans. We will have someone meet you at the airport and bring you to our campus in Magnolia, Arkansas.