Pre-Departure Requirements

Please submit the following items to GLA by the due date listed in your online account. 

1. Emergency Contacts

   1. 1. • Complete the Emergency Contact form in your online account

2. Flight Itinerary

Once you are approved to book your flight, submit a copy of your roundtrip flight confirmation.

You can send it in any of the following ways:

1. Email: travel@experiencegla.com

2. Text: (858) 771-0645

3. Upload: in your online account

3. GLA Physician's Release Form

   1. 1. • This form requires your doctor’s signature.

         • Your doctor’s office may fax it directly to GLA (fax number listed on the form).

         • Or, you can email, text, or upload it yourself:

           • Email: travel@experiencegla.com

           • Text: (858) 771-0645

           • Upload: in your online account

4. Copy of ID(s)

International Travelers:

• Submit a clear photo or scan of your passport photo page.

• We recommend your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

Domestic Travelers:

1. Submit a copy of the ID you’ll use for airline check-in/TSA.

2. Submit a copy of your health insurance card (front and back).

You can submit via:

• Email: travel@experiencegla.com

• Text: (858) 771-0645

• Upload: in your online account

5. Full Tuition

• • • • • Pay your remaining tuition balance by logging into your online account and using E-check, debit, or credit card.

        • You may also call GLA to make your payment over the phone.

6. Additional Requirement: Bali Education & Marine Adventure Participants: 

• Bring your original, completed Scuba forms with you to Bali.

• Do not send these forms to GLA in advance, simply bring them with you for your diving experience.

A $50 late fee may be assessed ​if all pre-departure documents are not obtained and submitted by your due date! Please see your Welcome Email or your GLA Dashboard for the due date for your program. Please contact us as soon as possible if you foresee a delay!

Parental Authorization Form - For Minors (17 or younger) 

Required for: Peru, Ghana, and South Africa

Recommended for: All minors 

If your student is 17 or younger, parents should complete two original notarized copies of the Parental Authorization Form.

While this form is not always requested by airlines or border authorities, it is required for travel to Peru, Ghana (see Visa Packet), and South Africa (which also requires additional minor documents). Completing it is a best practice for all minors traveling without parents to prevent travel issues and ensure authorities can verify that the student is traveling safely and with parental consent.

Instructions

• Have two original copies of the form notarized: Parental Authorization Form

  • 1. • You can visit a local notary in-person, but most families use an online notary service such as: Proof, OneNotary or NotaryCam.

• The student should carry both copies in their carry-on luggage while traveling.

• GLA does not need a copy of this form.

Additional Resources

• A sample form is available here 

• Staff names and contact details will be posted in your Program Specific Details under the “Contact Info & Homebase Address” section in Spring 2026.

Visa or Entry Requirements

• Students traveling internationally from the US may need additional paperwork for certain locations. Please see program-specific info for details: 

• Visas and Passports can be processed through G3 Visas. More info about their services here.

  • There are additonal entry requirements for US Passport-holders for the following countries:

    • • • • Ghana

          • Tanzania

          • South Africa (special requirements for minors)

          • United Kingdom- Electronic Authorization Required

          • Thailand

          • Indonesia (Bali)

• Other Documentation - Students traveling on a non-US passport or with complex citizenship or immigration statuses may require additional documentation to travel. Returning to a country other than the US can also affect the types of forms you will need. Please contact us or your local embassy if you are unsure. We also recommend you speak with G3 Visas at global@g3visas.com who can assist. 

Other Useful Forms

• Pre-Departure Checklist

• Roommate Request Form - If you'd like to request a roommate, this must be completed by both families at least 2 weeks before the program. (rooms are based on gender identity)

• Contact card - Fill it out with the information found in the "Staff & Emergency Contact Info" and bring it with you when you travel. Please note, this information may not be fully available until spring. 

• Scholarship Application - Instructions/forms must be submitted to apply for a scholarship.

• Medical Form - As part of the online application, a detailed medical form was completed. If there are any changes to medical details, please notify us immediately.