Domestic travel now requires a REAL ID. Additional documents, such as a passport, visa, residence permit, etc. are required for all international travel. Know which documents they are and apply early. Often times processing times can be delayed. The Smith Center advises all students to apply as early as they are able to for any required travel documents.
Passports
Please note: Information presented here was based on requirements available at the time of publication. All information is subject to change at any time. Always review the most current official documents and government websites, and rely on those specific details over anything presented here.
- A passport is an official document issued by your national government proving your identity and citizenship, entitling you to travel under its protection to and from other countries.
- A valid passport is required for participation in all St. Olaf College international study abroad programs.
- For most international travel, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your study abroad program. If it will expire before then, you need to renew your passport.
- Application for a U.S. passport is filed in person at the nearest acceptance facility.
- Passport application procedures for international students vary by country of citizenship.
- For citizens of the United States, passports are issued by US Department of State.
- First time applicants should follow the instructions listed on the US State Department’s website. Applicants must bring their completed application, photos, required documents, and payment to one of many acceptance offices, which can be found on their website.
- The Northfield Public Library is a passport acceptance facility. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.
- Those looking to renew an adult passports (issued at age 16+) should follow the instructions listed on the US State Department’s website for renewal. Renewals can be submitted by mail if all stated requirements are met, no in-person appointments necessary.
- If your most recent passport was issued when you were under the age of 16, you must apply for a new passport in-person.
- U.S. Passport processing for new passports or renewals can take between 4-8 weeks (processing time may vary), so apply for a passport as soon as possible. *Check the Department of State’s website for current processing times.
- The fee to receive or renew a passport is between $165-$195, depending on type (see the US State Department’s website for fees). Expedited services are available for an additional $60.
- For U.S. citizens who applied for a passport when they were younger than 16 years of age, their passport is only valid for 5 years. Passports for those who were 16 years of age or older at the time of issuing are valid for 10 years.
- Immigration law in the United States is rapidly changing, and if you have concerns about your country of citizenship or that your U.S. immigration status may be problematic for travel purposes. The Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion is committed to serving as the primary resource for the educational, personal, and professional growth and development of the diverse international student population at St. Olaf College. Immigration Status and Visa Processing for International Students is handled by the Visa Coordinator at 1-507-786-3060.
- It is your responsibility to research the travel requirements for citizens of your home country traveling to your study abroad country, and returning to the U.S.
- In addition you are responsible for knowing the re-entry requirements and documentation you will need to return to the U.S.
- The Smith Center Office can provide you with a verification letter, proof of enrollment, and some other supplemental visa application materials, upon request. Requests need to be made at least five business days in advance of when you plan to submit your visa application.
- An F-1 student should maintain a valid passport at all times.
- Passports should be valid for at least six months into the future.
- Federal law does not allow an F-1 visa holder to enter the United States if their passport has expired.
- Students should contact their consulate in the U.S. for passport renewal information. Not all foreign passports can be renewed from the U.S. so international students might need to plan ahead and renew their passport while home during summer vacation.
- U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) students traveling abroad for study can find it difficult to navigate the ins-and-outs of the Passport process. You cannot travel abroad on a “green card” alone.
- If you do not have a passport from your home country but have the ability to obtain one, you must do so. Students should contact their consulate in the U.S. for passport renewal information.Not all foreign passports can be renewed from the U.S. so international students might need to plan ahead and renew their passport while home during summer vacation.
- If you are unable to obtain a passport from your home country due to political instability, refugee status, etc. you will need to apply for a U.S. Travel Document, also known as a reentry permit, from the U.S. government. You can find information on the I-131 “Application for Travel Document” on the USCIS website.
- Students should apply as early as possible for the U.S. Travel Document and even consider paying extra to rush the service, as the estimated application processing time can range from 4-6 months.
Visas
Please note: Information presented here was based on requirements available at the time of publication. Countries can change their visa/permit requirements at any time or they may be interpreted differently by various consulates or airport authorities. Always review the most current official documents and government websites, and rely on those specific details over anything presented here.
- A visa or permit gives you permission to reside in a country for an extended period of time. The main purpose being to study for 90 days or more. Some countries require a study or residence permit to enter. Others require a visa.
- A visa or permit is an official document, often placed inside your passport, that a foreign government issues to you, allowing you to enter that particular country, for a specified period of time, and participate in certain activities legally.
- Prior to departure you will need to fill out an application, gather supporting documents listed on the consulates webpage, and then apply in person. Oftentimes you will have to get an appointment at an embassy or consulate to hand in your passport and other supporting documents.
- The requirements to obtain a visa or permit depend on the host country, type of visa/permit, duration of the program, and nationality of the applicant. The foreign country’s U.S. based Consulate/Embassy should be able to provide you with a list of requirements based on these factors.
- Each consulate location has its own website and requirements may vary from location to location. Some consulates will only allow you to apply at the consulate providing jurisdiction over your home state, whereas others will allow you to apply using your school’s address. For example you may be able to apply via the mail, whereas another student attending the same program may need to apply in person, so be sure to check the website for the location of the consulate representing the correct jurisdiction (usually Chicago for St. Olaf students/Minnesota residents).
- Additionally, should the process become too overwhelming, many processing agencies such as CIBT, Travisa, Perry International, etc. exist to help research and submit applications. These agencies are very useful for quickly determining whether you are required to obtain a visa/permit and whether an in-person appointment is required. This is especially useful when researching non-U.S. student situations. The Smith Center Office recommends Perry International to provide these services. You can fill out a form on their website and Perry Visa will email you the visa requirements usually within 24 hours. Keep in mind if you choose to use their services you will have to pay a service fee in addition to the visa/permit fee.
- Most consulates will not let you apply more than 90 days before your study abroad program starts.
- For consulates that require an in-person appointment, the available time slots often fill up quickly. You may need to book an appointment months before you plan to apply, so plan accordingly! If you can only select an appointment near your departure date, you should see if your consulate offers a waitlist or an appointment calendar that you can continue checking for earlier appointments that open up.
- Begin the visa/permit application process as soon as you receive your letter of invitation from your host university/program. A good rule of thumb is to submit your application at least two months in advance. A good rule of thumb is to submit your application at least two months in advance. That way if any snags occur, you’ll still have time to remedy the issue and keep your application on track.
- Visa/permit processing can take as little as a couple of days to several months depending on the country and your nationality.
- The website of the U.S. consulate or embassy of your host country should list the average time it takes to process a visa/permit.
- Make sure you apply early as only a few consulates have the option to rush or expedite a visa/permit application. If it is an option it’s usually very expensive.
- As you will need to mail your passport to the Consulate, which they will keep as they process your visa application, you should not plan any international trips (including Canada and Mexico) in the months leading up to your program. If international travel while your passport is being processed at the consulate is absolutely necessary, in rare cases, you may be able to apply for a second passport. You would need to contact the local passport agency for more information.
- If a problem occurs when applying for your visa/permit, you should contact your respective consulate or embassy as soon as possible. If you’re not able to resolve the issue, please contact your program directly. Oftentimes they work directly with government officials on the ground.
- International students frequently study abroad/away while enrolled at St. Olaf. International students must contact the Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion prior to studying abroad to verify reentry requirements for F-1 visa holders to the U.S. and to update their I-20 form, if needed.
- Visa/permit fees listed on program budgets are based on U.S. citizenship. Fees for non-U.S. citizens may vary.
- U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) students traveling abroad for study can find it difficult to navigate the ins-and-outs of the visa/permit process.
- Remember in addition to a visa/permit, you must travel with the passport of your country of citizenship, or obtain a reentry permit or refugee travel document (form I-131). You cannot travel abroad on a “green card” alone.
- If you are unable to apply for a passport and will be using a U.S. issued Travel Document for your study abroad program, please make sure the country of your study abroad program will allow you to enter without a passport and will issue a visa/permit without a passport. Not every country will allow travelers without a passport.
- Upon your return to the U.S. you will need to present both your green card and passport/U.S.Travel Document. You may be subject to “secondary inspection” upon your return, where you could be taken into a separate room and asked questions about your time spent outside the U.S.
- Visa/permit fees listed on program budgets are based on U.S. citizenship. Fees for non-U.S. citizens may vary.
- Studying abroad can be difficult for undocumented students.
- Remember in addition to a visa/permit, you must travel with proper documentation. This includes a passport. You will want to discuss this with your immigration attorney to ensure you would not be deported.
- If you are unable to apply for a passport and will be using a U.S. issued Travel Document for your study abroad program, please make sure the country of your study abroad program will allow you to enter without a passport and will issue a visa/permit without a passport. Not every country will allow travelers without a passport.
- Visa/permit fees listed on program budgets are based on U.S. citizenship. Fees for non-U.S. citizens may vary.
- While on an international study abroad program, your host country admits you under the regulations of a student visa/permit or the appropriate immigration status. This means your stay is for the sole purpose of education, and you are not allowed to take a job, or sometimes even intern or volunteer, (even part-time) and earn an income. If you violate those restrictions and are caught, you risk being deported.
- However, some exceptions apply. Some countries do allow international students to take on a part-time job, volunteer, or intern whilst on a student visa/permit. To find out if your country of destination or program and visa/permit category allows for part-time work, visit the consular webpage for your host country.
- A transit visa allows you to travel through another country. Some countries require individuals of certain citizenships to have a transit visa. Be sure to research which countries require you to gain approval prior to entry.
- A transit visa is valid for 24 hours, but can be issued for a few days depending upon the country and embassy.
- You will need to apply for a transit visa in advance. Processing times can vary so make sure to apply early.
Travel By Air Within the U.S.
After May 7, 2025 the Department of Homeland Security will require you to show a REAL ID for all domestic travel within the U.S. and it’s territories. You can visit the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID webpage for more details.