GENERAL PASSPORT and VISA INFORMATION
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For students applying to the EPA Internships in Europe Programs

Passports

You must have a passport valid for the duration of your stay abroad.

• To apply, go to the County Clerk's Office in your area.
• Call ahead to find out if there are any regulations or fees specific to your area.
• The processing of a passport application can take 10 weeks or more. Apply for yours now.

What you will need when applying for a passport:

1. Certified copy of birth certificate bearing:
• raised seal
• file date within a year of birth
• name correctly spelled
OR:
• naturalization papers or old passport
2. Two recent photos, 2" x 2", on lightweight paper with a white background.
3. A check or money order made payable to "Passport Services". The fee typically ranges from $85.00 - $145.00. A money order will often expedite the process. Most offices will not take cash.
4. There may be a cash county fee (in Monroe County, it is $30.00).
5. Identification such as a driver's license or work pass with photo and signature. Police IDs are not valid.
6. Social Security number.

Visas

A visa is official permission, granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or visit, which allows you to enter and remain in that country for period of time. Some countries require you to obtain a visa either in the U.S. or at a consulate abroad. Costs and entrance requirements vary, but expect to pay between $75 and $200. Find out now what visas, if any, you will need, for places where you will either live or visit. Visas can take up to 10 weeks to process, and some countries/consulates may require you to appear in person to obtain the visa.

U.S. Citizens: You NEED a visa for semester study in Belgium and Spain, and Student Visa/Prior Entry Clearance with Biometric Information to study in Edinburgh and London. The Belgian government requires an FBI background check for students who are age 21 or over when they apply for the visa.  This process takes approximately 18 weeks in addition to the 3-4 weeks one should allow for the visa application. If you are applying to the Brussels program and are age 21 or older, we highly recommend that you being this process as soon as possible.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or have dual citizenship:  Check now with the consulate of the country in which you’ll be studying for any special visa requirements.


TIP: We strongly recommend that you make a photocopy of your passport (and visa, if applicable). Take the photocopies overseas with you as well as the originals. Store the copies in a safe place, but in a different location than the originals. Should your passport/visa be lost or stolen, they will be easier to replace if you have a copy.

Check out these websites for more information:

Belgian Embassy
Travel Document Systems
Spanish Consulate
Embassy World
British Embassy
Visa 4 UK