Before Your Trip

To embark on your journey to Sligo, Ireland for the Yeats International Summer School, a valid passport is essential. We'll provide you with practical tips on how to efficiently handle the passport application or renewal process, direct you to the necessary forms and websites, and outline what you need to bring with you to passport acceptance facilities.

Attaining Your Passport

NOTE: Start your passport application process as soon as possible, as it can take upwards of 5 weeks to receive your passport!
It is crucial to start your passport application process early and monitor its status closely. Delays can happen, and securing your passport promptly will avoid last-minute stress.

1. Determine the Type of Passport You Need:

   • A passport book is required for all international air travel.

   • A passport card is only valid for entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.

2. Complete the Application Form:

   • You can fill out the application form online or manually.

   • For a new passport, use Form DS-11. If you’re renewing, use Form DS-82.

3. Gather Supporting Documents:

   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate).

   • A valid form of photo identification (e.g., a driver’s license).

   • A photocopy of the identification document.

   • One passport photo that meets the required standards.

4. Submit Your Application:

   • For a new passport, you must submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility (like post offices, some public libraries, or county offices).

   • Renewals can often be handled by mail if you meet certain criteria.

5. Pay the Fee:

   • Fees vary depending on whether you are applying for a book, a card, or both, and whether it's a new application or a renewal. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.

6. Website for Application and Information:

   • The official website to download forms and get detailed instructions is the U.S. Department of State’s travel website: travel.state.gov. This site provides comprehensive details on the application process, required documentation, fees, and processing times.

7. Processing Time:

   • Routine processing times can vary but typically take about 10-12 weeks. Expedited processing options can reduce this time to about 4-6 weeks.

Apply for an ETA

An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, is required for non-visa nationals intending to visit the UK as a visitor or transit through the UK, provided they do not have a UK visa or other immigration status. If you are passing through a UK airport and going through London on a United flight, you will likely need to apply for an ETA.

The easiest way to apply is using the UK ETA App

You will need:

• the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport

• access to your emails

• a payment method - you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay or Google Pay

• You will need to upload or take photos of the passport face of the person applying You do not need to enter your travel details.

You do not need an ETA if:

• you have a visa

• you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)

• you are transiting through a UK airport and you will not pass through border control - check with your airline if you are not sure

• you are a British or Irish citizen

• you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport

• you are travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport

• you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

• you are a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form

• you are exempt from immigration control or obtaining permission to enter

Attaining Your Passport

NOTE: Start your passport application process as soon as possible, as it can take upwards of 5 weeks to receive your passport!
It is crucial to start your passport application process early and monitor its status closely. Delays can happen, and securing your passport promptly will avoid last-minute stress.

1. Determine the Type of Passport You Need:

   • A passport book is required for all international air travel.

   • A passport card is only valid for entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.

2. Complete the Application Form:

   • You can fill out the application form online or manually.

   • For a new passport, use Form DS-11. If you’re renewing, use Form DS-82.

3. Gather Supporting Documents:

   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate).

   • A valid form of photo identification (e.g., a driver’s license).

   • A photocopy of the identification document.

   • One passport photo that meets the required standards.

4. Submit Your Application:

   • For a new passport, you must submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility (like post offices, some public libraries, or county offices).

   • Renewals can often be handled by mail if you meet certain criteria.

5. Pay the Fee:

   • Fees vary depending on whether you are applying for a book, a card, or both, and whether it's a new application or a renewal. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.

6. Website for Application and Information:

   • The official website to download forms and get detailed instructions is the U.S. Department of State’s travel website: travel.state.gov. This site provides comprehensive details on the application process, required documentation, fees, and processing times.

7. Processing Time:

   • Routine processing times can vary but typically take about 10-12 weeks. Expedited processing options can reduce this time to about 4-6 weeks.

Contact Your Bank!

Contact your banks to inform them of your travel dates and destinations. It’s advisable to order currency through your bank in advance or get a credit card that charges 0% international transaction fees to avoid any financial hiccups during your trip.

Consider purchasing travel insurance if you haven’t already. Familiarize yourself with local healthcare services near your accommodations and event locations.

Packing Checklist

Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers, waterproof shoes, and walking shoes to stay comfortable. Review United’s baggage policy and check in for your flight 24 hours before departure.

Ensure you pack a mix of casual, adventure, and nicer clothing. Additionally, bring something comfortable for dancing. The Irish dancing sessions are interactive, so be prepared to join in the fun!

Here is a recommended packing list:

Essentials

• Passport

• Flight Tickets

• Train Tickets

• Currency and/or Credit Card with 0% international fees

Clothing

• Formal Clothing

• Casual Clothing

• Adventure Wear

• Loungewear

• Comfortable Walking Shoes

• Waterproof Shoes

• Dress Shoes

• Layered Clothing

• Swimwear

General

• Backpack or Daypack

• Umbrella

• Adapters/Converters

• Phone and Charger

• Laundry Supplies

Basic Toiletries

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Soap

• Lotion

For Your Health

• Reusable Water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Small First Aid Kit

• Prescription Medication

You will need to be able to access Google Maps without a wifi connection!

To do this:

Open Google Maps
Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone. Make sure you're signed into your Google account.

Search for Ireland
In the search bar at the top, type "Ireland" and select it from the search results to view the map of the entire country.

Select "Download"
Tap on the name or address at the bottom of the screen to bring up more details about Ireland. Then, look for the option that says “Download” or a download icon, usually represented with a downward arrow.

Adjust the Map Area
Once you tap on the download option, you will be able to adjust the map area that you want to download by pinching to zoom in or out.
Note that Google Maps may limit the size of the area you can download based on storage capacity and data limits.

Download the Map
After adjusting the selected area, tap on “Download” to start the download process. Ensure that you are connected to WiFi as maps can consume a significant amount of data.

Access Offline Maps
Once your map is downloaded, you can access it by opening Google Maps and tapping on your profile icon or menu button, then selecting “Offline maps.” Here you will see all your downloaded maps, including the map of Ireland.

Use the Map Offline
With the offline map, you can search for locations, get directions, and navigate without an internet connection. However, keep in mind that some features, such as real-time traffic updates and route modifications, will not be available in offline mode.

Ensure your device has sufficient storage space before downloading large map areas.