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If you want to study abroad, there are a few things you have to do before you arrive at your program destination. One of the first things you should do is ensure you have an updated passport that won’t expire anytime soon. Without your passport, you can’t leave the country, and getting or renewing a passport takes time. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad is here to support you and answer any questions you might have.
Your passport is the key to unlocking unforgettable adventures abroad! Here’s everything you need to know about getting and renewing your passport for a study abroad or international internship experience.
Do I Need a Passport to Study Abroad?
Yes, you do need a passport to study abroad or do an international internship outside of the United States as an American citizen. International destinations require a valid passport for entry. If you need to leave your home country to reach your study abroad destination, you’ll definitely need a passport!
Did you know? AIFS Abroad offers one program location that doesn’t require American citizens to have a passport: New York City! Virtual internship programs are also available.
Do I Need a Passport to Obtain a Visa to Study or Intern Abroad?
Some countries require a special visa to study abroad or do an international internship. In order to apply for and obtain a student visa, you must have a valid passport.
Helpful Tips for Getting a New Passport
If you’ve never had a passport before or your most recent passport was issued when you were under 16, you’ll need to apply in person for your first adult passport. Once you’ve confirmed you need a new passport, follow the steps on Travel.State.Gov. These steps include:
- Filling out the application form: Make sure to fill out the entire form online. Select a passport book—not a card, since cards aren’t valid for international air travel. Don’t sign it until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. Print your form on single-sided paper. Also, if you wish to have a larger passport with more visa pages, you can check the box “large book” at the top of the DS-11.
- Ensure you have all the required documents. This includes evidence of U.S. citizenship (and a photocopy) and a photo ID (and a photocopy).
- Tips for photocopying: Use black and white (no color), standard 8.5 inch x 11 inch, single-sided paper.
- Taking passport photos: Make sure to get an official passport photo that meets the requirements outlined here. Many drugstores, photo studios, and post offices can take an official passport photo for you.
- Plan ahead! Passport processing times may vary; if the Department of State has a backlog of applications, it could take longer than expected. So, complete your application as soon as possible!
- In a time crunch? Get expedited service! While it can vary, routine processing time for a new passport application is typically 4 – 6 weeks. If you’re leaving in three weeks or less, you can purchase an expedited passport service which takes 2 – 3 weeks. If you have international travel within 14 days, you must make an appointment for urgent processing—but skip the stress and apply for your passport early to have it done before this is necessary!
- Finding a location: Once everything is ready for your application, use this passport acceptance facility finder to find a passport facility near you. Don’t forget to call first to check if you need to make an appointment.
If you are not an American citizen, go to your government’s official website to learn how to get a new passport.
Helpful Tips for Renewing Your Passport
Make sure to check the expiry date of your passport well in advance. If your passport is currently expired, lost, stolen, or damaged, you should renew it as soon as possible before studying or interning abroad. But if it isn’t, there are still other considerations to look out for.
Let’s say you’ve checked your passport and it isn’t expired—that’s a great start! Be sure to look at the actual expiration date and compare it to your prospective travel dates. Many countries require foreign citizens to have at least six months of validity on their passports beyond their travel dates to be allowed to enter the country or get a visa. Some airlines may prevent you from boarding if your passport does not meet these requirements—can you imagine being so close to your dream abroad experience and then not being allowed to go?
If your passport will expire within six months of your return date, you should renew it as soon as possible. Not only will this ensure you are not turned away at customs, but extra time on your passport will allow you to travel after your study abroad or internship program end date or reapply for another program.
You can renew your passport by mail or online. Visit Travel.State.Gov to begin the passport renewal process.
Remember to begin the renewal process far ahead of your departure date. While it often takes 4 – 6 weeks, it could take much longer depending on many factors, such as the number of passport applicants and renewals the Department of State is processing.
What Happens If My Passport Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged While I’m Abroad?
Despite your best efforts, your passport could be lost, stolen, or damaged when you’re abroad. If this happens, the first thing you want to do is contact your Program Director—an AIFS Abroad on-site support staff member who will be able to help you if it’s lost or stolen.
If your passport cannot be recovered, you will need to get a new one before you can return to the U.S. To do so, you will need to go to a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Tips to Prevent a Lost or Stolen Passport
Follow these steps to keep your passport safe and reduce the chances of it being lost or stolen:
- Use a secure passport holder: A passport holder protects your passport from damage and adds a little bit of weight and surface area so it’s harder to lose. You can even get it in a bright color to make it easy to locate in your bag or on the ground if you drop it! If you want to go the extra mile, slip an Air Tag or other small Bluetooth tracking device into your passport holder so you can always see where it is.
- Make copies of your passport: Before you leave, make several color photocopies of your passport and keep them in different bags so you always have access to one. Also, keep a digital photocopy or picture securely on your phone or laptop. If hotels or local businesses require you to leave your passport with them while you’re abroad, a copy will generally suffice.
- Keep your passport safe on your person! Make sure it is easily accessible in a zippered pocket or bag but not on your back.
- Carry your own lock: If you take weekend trips and travel outside of your host city, you may be staying in hostels and hotels that are less secure than your AIFS Abroad housing. Many hostels offer lockers for storage, so it’s important that you bring your own padlock to ensure you can safely store your passport and other valuable items.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Whenever or wherever you’re traveling, it’s important to remain vigilant. Crowded public spaces like train and bus stations and city streets can put you at risk of being pickpocketed and having your phone, wallet, bag, or passport stolen.
- Check your passport often: Make sure you know where your passport is at all times. If you have it securely stored in your student housing, check in on it now and again so you know it’s safe. Whenever traveling with your passport, check on it periodically to ensure you never leave it behind, and if you do, you can quickly recover it.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable experience studying or interning abroad—make sure your passport is up to date!
If you plan to intern or study abroad, you’ll need a valid passport. It’s important that you get a new passport or renew your existing one immediately if it expires within six months of your departure date. Wait times to receive your first or renewed passport can vary, and if the Department of State has a long backlog, it could take longer than expected. Once you’re abroad, don’t forget to keep it safe so you can enjoy your experience without worrying about a lost or stolen passport!
Have questions about study abroad or international internship programs? The AIFS Abroad team is here to help!