EDUCATION ABROAD

• Safety and Security
• Student Conduct & Liability
• Health Concerns
• Health Insurance
• Passports & Visas

Passports & Visas

We strongly recommend that you apply for a passport once you have applied to a study abroad program.

Students who are U.S. citizens must hold a passport in order to travel abroad, and should apply for one immediately if they do not already have one. (Passports that will expire within six months of the end of the program should be renewed before going abroad.) Even if you are not accepted into your program, the investment in a passport, which is valid for ten years, is a good one. If you begin to apply for a passport after you are accepted to a program you may find you have a difficult time completing all of your paperwork before your departure. Students will need a passport to apply for a visa which is necessary in order to study in most countries.

U.S. passports can be obtained or renewed in Bowling Green at the Wood County Clerk’s office, 1 Court House Square, 419.354.9280 or the passport agency nearest to your permanent address. You will need the following documents to apply or renew for a passport:

• Completed passport application
• Proof of citizenship (certificate of naturalization, previous passport, or a certified copy of your birth certificate)
• Two identical passport photo’s taken within six months prior to the application
• Personal Identification (driver’s license, photo ID or previous passport)
• $85.00 if you will be applying for a passport for the first time or if you are renewing a passport that was issued before the age of 16. $55.00 if you are renewing a passport that was issued after the age of 16.

Passport agencies and detailed information can be found on the State Department web page at http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html . Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery. Express processing is available for an additional fee.

When you receive the passport, make sure that all of the information on the data page of the passport is accurate and make several photocopies of that page. Give one copy to your parent or guardian, and take several copies with you abroad. Be sure to complete the information page on the inside of your passport providing the name, address, and telephone number of an emergency contact and sign your passport before you leave for the airport. If you passport is lost in the USA, contact the nearest passport agency or the Department of State. If you lose your passport abroad, notify the nearest consulate or embassy immediately.

Non-U.S. citizens with U.S. Permanent Residence status may travel to most places, although they may have to complete special visa application procedures. Students who plan to travel on a passport issued by a country other than the U.S. are advised to check visa requirements for all countries they plan to visit. Feel free to speak with Education Abroad staff if you have any questions or concerns.

Some countries will also require a visa for entry into their country. A visa is a passport stamp or document issued by a destination country to permit a foreigner access to their country. Application procedures vary depending upon the country and type of visa sought. Updated information on visa requirements can be found on the state department web page for foreign entry at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans/americans_1252.html , as well as through the sponsor for your program.

You will apply for your visa only after you have received a valid passport and acceptance to your abroad program or institution.