PASSPORTS
In order to travel internationally and obtain a visa, all participants must have a valid passport. Participants will need to have a valid passport in their possession prior to applying for a visa. A valid passport is one that 1) is not set to expire within six months of the programs end date 2) has at least one blank page for visa stamps. To fulfill this requirement, participants may need to renew an old passport or apply for a new one. These processes can be done in person at an official passport processing facility (which includes most United States Postal Service branches). Click here to find your nearest passport processing facility.
Need a New Passport?
Participants in need for a new passport should begin this process immediately. All passport applications must be submitted in person and may take up to 6 weeks to process. U.S. passport applications are processed and administered by the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs. Participants must log on to the U.S. Department of State website and follow the instructions provided to successfully apply for a passport. Supporting documents required for obtaining a new passport include:
1. Proof of identity (such as a state photo ID)
2. Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate)
3. An application form (can be completed online or in person)
4. A valid passport photo (4 - obtain 2 for your passport and 2 for your visa)
Estimated Costs: Passport photos cost less than $15 and can be taken at your local CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Costco and other neighborhood convenience stores. Click here to learn more about getting your passport photo taken. The application for a passport book is $110 and an additional $25 for the execution or processing fee totaling $135. It costs an additional $60 if you require expedited shipping (which would be a 2-3 week delivery instead of the 6 week delivery). However, if you follow our timeline and recommendations you should not require expedited shipping. Please note that these cost estimates are determined by the granting agency and subject to change. Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website for the most up to date application and cost information.
Need to Renew a Passport?
Participants in need of a new passport should begin this process immediately. Most applications to renew a passport must be submitted in person and may take up to 6 weeks to process. U.S. passport applications are processed and administered by the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs. Students must log on to the U.S. Department of State website and follow the instructions provided to successfully apply for a passport. Some participants may be eligible to submit their passport renewal application by mail. Please click here to see if you qualify to renew your passport by mail. Click here for an application checklist. Supporting documents required for obtaining a renewed passport include:
1. Your old passport book
2. Legal name change document (if applicable)
3. An application form (can be completed online or in person)
4. A valid passport photo (4 - obtain 2 for your passport and 2 for your visa)
Estimated Costs: Passport photos cost less than $15 and can be taken at your local CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Costco and other neighborhood convenience stores. Click here to learn more about getting your passport photo taken. The application for a passport book is $110. It costs an additional $60 if you require expedited shipping (which would be a 2-3 week delivery instead of the 6 week delivery). However, if you follow our timeline and recommendations you should not require expedited shipping. Please note that these cost and delivery estimates are determined by the granting agency and subject to change. Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website for the most up to date application information.
For More Information
Contact the U.S. Department of State's National Passport Information Center, or the United State's Postal Service's Passports webpage. Star Service & Study Abroad does not administer passport services in anyway and our knowledge of the most up to date requirements may be limited. We are happy to help you with any questions or concerns however, for the most accurate and timely information we strongly encourage you to check out the two sites listed above.
Check the status of your application
Feeling anxious? Click here to check the status of your passport application. Please note that it can take 7-10 business days for applications to be trackable online.
**Please note that the these guidelines are written for U.S. citizens who are eligible for a U.S. passport. If you have citizenship in a country other than the U.S. you will have to check with your respective government's procedures and guidelines for obtaining a valid passport. Feel free to contact us if you need additional assistance or if you foresee any issues meeting these requirements on time.
