Passports and Visas
Passports
Students must have a passport to participate in any education abroad program. You often need your passport several months before your program begins. You also need a passport before you can apply for any required visas. Thus, start on your passport application as soon as you decide to study abroad.
Application forms are available online at travel.state.gov, as well as a detailed list of required documents you need to provide to apply for a Passport. In general, you must:
- Fill out the appropriate application form
- Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (and a photocopy)
- Present ID (and a photocopy)
- Provide a Photo
- Pay a $110 fee, plus a $35 processing fee (cost is subject to change)
Passport photos are available through the photo departments of many local drug stores or can be taken onsite at some passport processing locations. Applications can be submitted to the Wright Brothers U.S. Post Office on Oakwood Avenue. Visit www.usps.com/passport/ for a list of all post offices processing passport applications. Allow at least 14 weeks for routine service, and 2 to 6 weeks for expedited service.
Visas and Other Entry Requirements
Each country has different requirements and procedures for entry. Generally, students will need to a) determine if there is a need for a visa given the program activities, location(s), and duration, b) identify the consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction over visa issuance, c) obtain up-to-date visa instructions from the consulate or embassy, and d) submit the visa application, passport, and other supporting documents according to those instructions provided. It takes time to obtain a visa, so good planning is required! Also, be aware that personal travel to your designated consulate may be required. For example, the consulates assigned to Ohio residents are often in Chicago.
Information about entry requirements (i.e., visas, immunizations, additional fees, etc.) for travel to other countries can be found at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ and embassy.org. Consult the Web page for specific programs regarding visa requirements for those programs. For additional information, visit the travel docs page of the Department of State's students abroad Web site.
Also, take note of visa details that are embedded in various program brochures. Many times, the Office of Education Abroad has linked direct resources specific to that country's requirements.
ETIAS Travel Authorization (for European Travel)
Starting in mid-2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will ask all travelers to the Schengen region of Europe to apply through the visa waiver system before they visit the region. This short, online application process, once approved, will be valid for up to three years or until the passport requires renewal. Details on the application process, cost, and timeline, are still being determined. However, students and families who are planning to travel to Europe and beyond should be aware of its requirements as it will be mandatory for anyone intending to visit the region. (This is current as of April 2024, but we encourage you to visit the ETIAS website for the most up-to-date information.)
Notary Services
If needed, notary services are available through the Office of Legal Affairs - Wednesdays 10-11 am and 2-3 pm in St. Mary's Hall, rm 400. Appointments can be made for other days by emailing legalaffairs@udayton.edu. Bring valid photo identification; the notary must validate your identity and witness you signing the document.