Your nationality is extremely important to the governmental officials of foreign countries. You must have the proper documentation to verify your identification with your home country and be ready to show it any time it is asked of you. Follow the information below to insure travel without any complications. Passports Anyone traveling over a national border needs a passport. It identifies you as an official citizen of the your country. Passports are issued by the Department of State, and are valid for a period of 10 years (5 years for people under the age of 18). Your passport will be used to show border and customs authorities when you enter or leave the country. While in a foreign country, it will also serve as your primary form of identification. At any time, you may be asked to show it to governmental authorities. So, technically, you must carry it with you. Make copies of your passport and carry one with you if, during the day, you plan to spend time in a questionable environment where the original may end up getting lost, stolen or damaged. Use your best judgment. You can obtain your passport at any U.S. Passport Agency office, by submitting an application at some U.S. post offices, or by mail. For more information, see the link below or write to: Bureau of Consular Affairs (Click Here)
Office of Passport Services
Room 386, Department of State
1425 K Street
Washington D.C. 20524
phone: 202--647 0518 National Passport Information Center
1-900-255-5674 For those who have never before been issued a passport by the U.S., the following documents must be presented: - proof of citizenship - If you are a naturalized citizen then you will need a certificate of naturalization. If you are a citizen by birth, then you will need an official birth certificate bearing the seal of the state in which you were born. Hospital certificates are not official. If you need a birth certificate, you can find the application at your local post office.
- two identical photographs each 2 inches square, color on a white background, taken within the last six months.
- proof of identity: a driver's license or other official photo i.d.
Upon submitting these documents, you must pay the processing fee of $40 for people under 18, and $65 for those 18 or older. It usually takes about three to four weeks to receive your passport. If you have a passport that will expire before you plan to return to from your trip abroad, you should get a new one before you leave the U.S. You'll just need to pay the required fee again and submit new photos. Take care of getting your passport as soon as possible because the process takes a considerable amount of time, especially during the busy season. Take special care not to lose your passport, or have it stolen. The process for getting it replaced is complicated and time-consuming. If your passport is lost or stolen in the U.S., report it to Passport Services immediately. If lost or stolen abroad, report it to the nearest US consulate or embassy without delay, as well to the local police authorities. You should also let your program director know. Visas For some countries, you will be required to get a visa before you leave the U.S. It is a document that goes inside your passport and shows official permission to visit a country. Some countries' visa is simply a stamp on one of the pages in your passport upon entering. When you are accepted into a program, get information on the visa requirements of the country or countries that you wish to visit. Check out the US State Department's web page (click here) which has abundant information available regarding visa requirements. To get your visa you may be required to show proof of your acceptance into the study-abroad program. So, save your acceptance letters and make copies. Proof of Immunization You may be required to show proof of certain immunizations because of specific health concerns in the country or countries you plan to visit. For instance, in Peru, it may be required to show that you have received immunizations for yellow fever, cholera and hepatitis. If required, it will usually be asked for when entering the foreign country. Check with that country's consulate to find out what immunizations are required. You can also check with your program director. Even if immunizations are not required, it may still be a good idea to get them if there's a dubious nature to the health situation in the country you plan to visit. Check with your doctor or an immunization clinic to find out which countries are considered risky and what shots will be needed. It's wise to get your immunizations before leaving, but not too soon because some are good for only a given amount of time. The proper document for listing your immunizations is the "International Certificate of Vaccinations." It is usually available wherever such shots are given. It has to be filled out and dated by the physician or medical clinic which provides the immunizations. You may be able to have all this done at your campus Health Services. International Student Identity Card (ISIC) In the developed world there are a some discounts to be had by using this widely known student ID card. However, in lesser developed countries, such as all the countries in Latin America, it is not generally recognized and affords no great benefits other than being another form of identification. The best reason to get an ISIC is to receive the student fare on your plane ticket. It also provides some insurance in the case of serious injury or death. It costs $18, which you will likely save on the purchase of your ticket. The ISIC is valid for one calendar year, from the 1st of January to the end of December. To get the card, you must submit a passport style photo and proof that you are a currently enrolled student. Your ISIC can be purchased through: Council Travel
205 East 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 1-800-2COUNCIL
http://www.counciltravel.com/idcards/default.asp and STA Travel
7202 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
http://www.statravel.com/
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