Passports & Visas

Passports

In order to study abroad, all students must be in possession of a passport valid at least 6 months after their program end date (Be advised: for programs in Spain, passports must be valid for at least 1 year after the program end date. 

Note:  Students who obtained their first passport prior to the age of 16 must apply for a new passport; they should not engage in the renewal process.

Please refer to the https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/ for all passport-related information, including instructions for applying for your first passport or renewing your current passport. February 15 is the deadline to upload a photo of your signed, valid passport to the Holy Cross Study Abroad portal. 

Maymester Travel, Personal Travel, & Applying for a Student Visa

Depending on your host country and the length of your program, you might need to obtain a student visa before you go abroad. The Office of Study Abroad is here to guide you through every step of the process, but it’s important to know that getting your visa is ultimately your responsibility - so stay on top of deadlines and communication! Students who promptly answer emails from the Office of Study Abroad and meet all deadlines typically don’t have issues with their student visas. You can check the ‘Program Overview’ tab of your specific program to see if a visa is required, or reach out to our office with any questions.

Sometimes, the visa process can impact the viability of your plans, especially if you’re considering both a Maymester and a fall or year-long study abroad experience right after. Consulates may need to keep your passport for several weeks, which can make it challenging - or even impossible - to participate in programs back-to-back. If you’re thinking about combining a Maymester with a longer study abroad experience, please connect with your Study Abroad advisor early to make sure it’s possible for your program and destination.

If you’re not a U.S. passport holder, it’s essential to let the Office of Study Abroad know right away. Visa requirements can be different based on your nationality, and we want to support you every step of the way

All students who plan to study abroad on a visa-required program must avoid international travel (including Canada) in the months prior to their student abroad departure, again because applying for a visa requires that you surrender your passport to the appropriate consulate for processing.