Passports & Visas
Passports
A passport is ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED to participate in any Queens program. A copy of your passport is due in the PCIE Office in Knight-Crane Hall by September 15.
If you already have a
valid passport:
Make sure that does not expire until at least six months after you return
from you time abroad. Please upload a copy of it to your Abroad Office account by the
deadline listed above.
If you do not have a
passport yet:
You will need to apply for one ASAP. Please do not delay applying
for your passport! The process can take multiple weeks, so you need to start
early so that you will have your passport by the deadline listed above. We urge
you to apply for your passport during the summer after this spring semester.
To obtain a passport, you are strongly encouraged to begin the
process by using the following website. It describes the process in step by
step detail and all the forms that are necessary for applying for a passport
are available on the US Department of State website.
As noted on the website listed above, the following steps are
necessary for applying for a passport:
- Fill Out Form DS-11: Application For A U.S. Passport
- Submit Completed Form DS-11 In Person. Information on locations to
submit the form is available on the website listed above.
- Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
- Present Identification
- Submit a Photocopy of the Identification Document(s) Presented
(Step 4)
- Pay the Applicable Fee (current fee information is on the website)
- Provide One Passport Photo
Note: If you are applying for a passport for the first time you
will have to apply in person at a location that accepts the required
information. Information on locations that accept the application is available
on the website listed above.
Visas
Some countries require that travelers obtain official permission to enter that country, and this process is typically facilitated through a "visa". Yes, this visa is different than a commonly used credit card. The visa indicates that you have permission to enter a foreign country, and indicates the length of time and the terms of your visit in that country.
A visa generally gives non-citizens clearance to enter a country and to remain there within specified constraints, such as a time frame for entry, a limit on the time spent in the country, and a prohibition against employment. The possession of a visa is not in itself a guarantee of entry into the country that issued it, and a visa can be revoked at any time. A visa application in advance of arrival gives the country a chance to consider the applicant's circumstance, such as financial security, reason for applying, and details of previous visits to the country. A visitor may also be required to undergo and pass security and/or health checks upon arrival at the border.
WARNING!!! Some countries will NOT allow you to enter without the proper documentation of an entry visa. Thus, it is necessary that you understand which countries require an entry visa, AND follow the prescribed process to obtain a visa (if necessary).
