This forms are available from the Office of Research Services, and require at least a day or more to be processed, so be sure to leave some extra time for this if the funding for which you wish to apply requires this procedure. A. Pros and Cons Seasoned researchers will often recommend taking a preliminary reconnaissance trip to your field site, especially if you have never been there before. A short trip can also help to familiarize you with the physical and socio-cultural conditions, locate potential field sites and research assistants, and diminish the time lost to culture shock when you go back to start the actual work. Be warned, however, that taking too short a trip or lacking a focus during the trip may leave you feeling unnecessarily overwhelmed and discouraged about your proposed project. It is strongly suggested that you discuss all relevant issues relating to a reconnaissance trip carefully with your advisor and others who have done research in your proposed area.
Some agencies earmark small amounts of funding specifically for reconnaissance and planning trips.
Tourist visas may, however, only be valid for shorter periods of time than is required for one's research, and they may also carry other restrictions on allowable activities and areas that can be visited. Research visas may offer more authority for accessing restricted areas and resources such as public archives. When to start thinking about it and applying Be forewarned that some countries take a very long time to process visa requests, especially for research visas. It is recommended that you begin inquiring about the exact procedure required about one year in advance of your expected departure date. Besides official sources such as embassies and consulates, your best bet for current information on how your visa request will actually proceed is to talk with others who have recently traveled to the country in question and have already gone through the process.