You must have a valid passport in order to travel abroad. If you do not already have a passport you will need to apply for one at your earliest convenience. Passports take 6 weeks to be processed from the time your complete application is received. In case of emergency, expedited passport service is available for an additional $60, with proof of urgent departure (plane ticket, letter of acceptance with date of arrival, etc.). Expedited passports are processed in 3 working days. Passport application forms and information on how to apply are available on-line at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Passport applications can be picked up at the following Springfield location:
Passport applications are processed in Chicago:
In addition to the application form and the appropriate fees, you will need official passport photos for the application. These can be obtained at a variety of locations including most photo studios.
Most countries require a visa if you are planning to stay for more than 3 months. Many countries require a visa for even short stays. In order to apply for a visa you will to have a valid passport. If you are studying abroad through another university or program, you will receive instructions on applying for the appropriate visa from them. If you are studying on a UIS program, the Office of International Programs will help you through the visa process.
*The University of Illinois is affirmative action/equal opportunity