Travel Documents

Passports

Your son or daughter should apply for a passport well in advance of departure, as early as when they begin to consider studying abroad.  A passport is required when applying for other items such as a visa. We provide information to all students about applying for their passport. However, if you would like additional information, please refer to the U.S. State Department web site at www.travel.state.gov.

Visa

We also provide students participating in a Temple program information about applying for a student visa, if needed in the country where they will be studying. Obtaining a visa can be a lengthy and detailed process, so it is important that your son or daughter begin this process as early as possible.  The current world situation has caused governments all over the world to revise their immigration requirements. Whether you are an international student who wants to study in the United States, or a U.S. student who wants to spend a semester abroad, it is very important to have proper documentation.  Students must take great responsibility in submitting all visa application materials in a timely fashion.

Since obtaining the visa can be a lengthy and detailed process, many parents want to do everything for their son or daughter. While we cannot tell you what to do, we do encourage parents to allow their son or daughter to handle this matter as independently as possible.  Dealing with a foreign consulate in the United States is often a student’s first exposure to the new culture, and therefore, is an important learning experience. We encourage students to call us themselves with questions about the process.

If your student is not a U.S. citizen, we recommend he/she research visa requirements for the country they are planning to travel to as early as possible, since this can be a lengthy process.  In addition, non-U.S. citizens should confirm their entry/exit requirements for the U.S. with immigration officials.

THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC)

All Temple University study abroad program participants are required to obtain the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The ISIC, available from STA Travel and other issuing offices across the U.S., entitles the bearer to basic insurance coverage and student discounts, and constitutes the most effective international proof of student status.

Students can contact STA Travel at 1-800-781-4040, or visit their web site: www.statravel.com.  For complete benefits of the ISIC and information on purchasing the ISIC, please see their web site: www.myisic.com.

Please see Health & Safety for more information.