There are many documents that you will need to get in order prior
to your trip. Which ones do you need? How do you get them? How far in advance of your study abroad trip do you need to start applying for them? Read on for all these answers and more.
Passport: If you do not have one, make sure to
apply for one at least 6-8 weeks prior to your departure in order to save money
and headaches from expediting your passport. If you already have one, check the
expiration date. For travel to many countries, it is required that your
passport be valid for a minimum of 6 months after you are planning to return
home. Also make sure there are enough blank pages left. A good website to order
or renew your passport at is PassportVisasExpress.com.
A helpful article: Don’t Forget Passports When Studying Abroad
Visa: While many countries do not require
travel visas, there are some that do. Also, the length of your stay can be a
factor as to if you will need a visa or not; some countries require a visa for
a stay longer than 30 days. A good website to research and purchase visas is PassportVisasExpress.
A helpful article: Travel Visas For Study Abroad
Birth
certificate: You will usually need an original birth
certificate to apply for a passport and some visas. If you have lost your birth
certificate, you can get an official replacement copy at Rocket Lawyer.
International
driving permit: This is a good idea to get before you go abroad if you think you may be interested in
driving while overseas. Click for information on getting an International Driving Permit before you go.
Student
discount cards: If you are a student, check out the
International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
This identity card is good worldwide for discounts on travel, lodging,
restaurants, attractions, and much more. A helpful article: Student Discount Cards for Study Abroad
Prescriptions: In order to fly, you
will need your prescriptions in clearly marked containers; it is best to keep
them in their original containers. Be sure to refill any prescriptions that
might run out while you are abroad. Also, it is an excellent idea to get a note
from your doctor listing your prescriptions and why you need them.
Insurance: It is possible to
acquire short-term medical insurance for travel, as well
as flight, luggage, and trip cancellation insurance. We recommend Travel Guard for great trip coverage.
For more tips on documents and all aspects of pre-departure preparation for study abroad, download our newest free e-report, Pre-Departure Guide.
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