If you need a passport or need to renew your passport, we STRONGLY SUGGEST that you begin that process ASAP. We recommend that you have a valid passport in hand by the time you apply for your study away program. Passports must be valid for 6 months after your return date. For example, if you are planning to study away in the fall 2023 semester, your passport must be valid through June 2024. 

US CITIZENS: Passport applications and renewals are being processed at an extremely delayed rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting passport agencies’ operations. Passport processing time is roughly 8-11 weeks. We strongly recommend you to expedite your passport if you do not have one yet. Visit the US Department of State website to begin the process. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, passport renewals may be delayed in your home country. If you need to renew your passport, we strongly encourage you to review your home countries’ renewal process/timelines and plan accordingly.  

• In order to travel to another country, you must have a valid signed passport with an expiration date at least 6 months past your date of return.

• If you don't have a passport yet or it is about to expire, apply for a new one NOW.

• For US citizens, visit the Department of State website to apply for a new passport or renew a passport that was issued when you were under 16.  

• For international students, visit your country’s specific passport website.

• While abroad, your passport is the most important item in your possession.

If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged while abroad contact the closest Embassy (of your country of citizenship) immediately. 

Most students studying away will need some type of student visa. Your program will contact you about how to apply for one.

A couple things to keep in mind:

• You may need to apply in person at the host country's embassy or consulate in the US.

• There will be a fee to apply. Typically they range from $100-$500. Visa fees are not included in program fees and are an out-of-pocket expense. 

• You may need to submit your passport with the application and will not get it back until the visa application is processed. The visa will be transfixed onto a page in your passport. 

• The processing time of a visa ranges by country but some take several months. Don't wait too long to start the process.

• If you are a citizen of a country other than the U.S., you may have additional student visa requirements and it may take longer to process the student visa. Be sure to factor in extra time accordingly.

• Please note that you may have to apply for your study away student visa in the U.S. It may not be possible to apply for your study away student visa in your home country.

• If you will be outside the U.S. for five (5) months or more, you will need a new I-20 signature from a designated person on campus before you leave. Katie Clair in the Office of International Students and Scholars can sign I-20s. 

• Ensure that your U.S. visa is still valid in order for you to re-enter the U.S. after your semester abroad. Please consult with your international student advisor on all questions and immigration requirements. 

For Trinity U.S. citizens and nationals, you must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service which allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

The benefits of enrolling with STEP:

• Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

• Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.

• Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Know the location and contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. 

• When booking your flights, consider booking a flexible return ticket so you can change your return date if needed. 

• Students wishing to arrive early or stay on after the program end date are responsible for their lodging, food and transportation.