Documents for traveling abroad
Before you can step foot outside the U.S., you’ll need a valid passport and, depending on your destination and program length, possibly a visa or residence permit. These documents are your official key to crossing borders, so it’s vital you start early: passports can take weeks to process, and visa requirements vary widely by country.
Passport
A passport is an official travel document issued by a government that contains a given person's identity. It enables its holder travel to and from foreign countries and to access consular assistance while overseas. The document certifies the personal identity and nationality of its holder.
For applications and instructions visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
If you have a passport, check the expiration date. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated return date.
If you do not have a passport, Apply Early! Apply at least 4-6 months before planned travel. Passport applications must be processed in person at an acceptance facility. In Topeka, visit the the North Park Topeka Passport Acceptance Center. Passport application are processed by appointment only; call (785) 231-3532 for more information, visit www.usps.com/scheduler to schedule an appointment.
Visa
A visa is a conditional authorization granted by a polity to a foreigner that allows them to enter, remain within, or to leave its territory.
Semester and year-long programs will most likely require a student visa to enter and remain in the host country for the duration of your program. The process of applying for a visa normally requires additional documents, fees, passport photos and in some cases travel to the nearest Consulate.
Visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html for information regarding foreign entry requirements.
Travel Authorization
The ETA is a digital authorization linked to a traveler’s passport that grants permission to travel to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) for periods of less than six months for the purpose of conducting business, tourism or short-term studies. The ETA is valid for two years or until the expiration of the associated passport – whichever is first. It allows multiple entries into the UK during the period for which it is valid.
The application can be completed on the UK government ETA web page or on the UK ETA app.
