SUNY New Paltz Study Abroad - Accepted Participants

"Students participating in the New Paltz - Middlesex program have the advantage of experiencing first-hand and at relatively low cost the educational system of a British university. New Paltz has established a comprehensive, well-thought-through oreintation process to inform students about the details of the program. Both institutions seem wholly committed to making the program work."

Passports and Visas

Passport
If you don't already have a passport, apply immediately. A passport is necessary to travel abroad and to obtain a visa. Parents are also advised to apply for a passport at the same time their student.

Applying For Your Passport
Passport agencies are located in all major cities of America. You can also apply for a passport at a clerk office in any State Court of Record. You may also apply through Postal Clerks designated by the Postmaster General (information regarding post offices with passport capabilities is usually listed in the government section of the telephone book).

New passports usually cost around $100.00, but you should always inquire before you make an appointment to get one. Passports are valid for 10 years after the date of issue. Applications for a new passport must be submitted in person.

Additional information regarding passports is available at the U.S. State Department Passport Services website.

When To Apply For Your Passport
Please allow plenty of processing time for your passport. Usually it takes approximately 6 weeks to process, though during busy seasons, it may take longer. In an emergency it can be expedited for an additional fee.

Passport Safety
After you receive your passport, and before traveling abroad, please make sure to make copies of the picture page to keep with you in your luggage, and to give someone at home to keep. Then, if you should lose you passport, the serial number from the copies will enable you to have an easier time getting another passport issued to you while abroad. You should also register with the US Embassy while traveling.

Most places will take other forms of identification, like a university ID card or a copy of your passport. The only time you should carry your passport on your person is while traveling from country to country, as well as when meeting immigration officers or other such authorities at your overseas university, and cashing travelers cheques.

Visa

Certain countries may require a visa for entrance. In the current political climate this process changes frequently. You must check with the local consulate general of your host country to see whether or not a visa is required and what documentation is required. Please consult the Electronic Embassy (link: http://www.embassy.org) or Project Visa (link: www.embpage.org) for local embassies and contact information. You are ultimately responsible for correctly completing the visa process, however the Center for International Programs will help you with the preparations for application. Keep copies of all documents!

Applying For Your Visa
Visa requirements are varied from country to country. Do not apply for your visa until you have received your visa information packet from the Center for International Programs.

**Visa requirements change rapidly and without notice. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to keep up-to-date with visa requirements.**

You may be required to apply in person for your visa, and you should be sure to check with the local embassy for a list of documentation you will have to bring with you to your appointment. You should also be sure to apply as soon as you are instructed by the embassy to ensure a smooth process.

*Please note visa requirements are set by the host country's government. They must be followed exactly as outlined. Neither the Center for International Programs or the US government can alter the requirements.

You should NOT plan to travel before your study abroad program. This especially applies to students who plan to go away for summer vacation and then study abroad during the fall semester.

The Center for International Programs provides students with a Student Certification Letter that assures your overseas site of your financial security while abroad. If you do not receive this letter from our office, please be sure to contact us before you apply for your visa. If a letter is also needed from the overseas university for your visa, this will be sent to you either by the Center for International Programs, or your overseas host university.