Passports and Visas
Passports
All students studying abroad will need to have a passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date in order to enter your host country. If your passport will expire early, you should renew your passport. If you do not yet have a passport, apply for one now.
US citizens can find more information on how to apply or renew a passport online at www.travel.state.gov/passport.
If you are not a US citizen, please confirm passport requirements with your home country.
Visas
Some off-campus study locations will require you to obtain a student visa before you can enter your host-country (or when you arrive on-site). A visa is an official document (typically a sticker placed in your passport) verifying your authorization to travel and study within a documented period of time.
Your off-campus study program should provide you with more information regarding any visa requirements and the process to obtain a visa. It is important that non-US citizens contact their off-campus study program to determine if there are any additional visa requirements.
If you are required to obtain a visa, it is important that you begin your application as soon as possible and that you carefully read all required visa materials provided by your off-campus study program. Students who have questions about their specific visa process should first contact their program adviser, but you can also contact your F&M Off-Campus Study adviser for support.
Tips for Passports and Visas
- Passport photos can be taken at the local Lancaster Post Office as well as many CVS, Rite-Aid or other locations
- Remember to sign your passport; it's not valid without your signature
- Make a photocopy of your passport information page and visa sticker - keep one photocopy with you while off-campus
- If you are required to obtain a visa, begin this process early
