STUDYING ABROAD in Winter or Spring 2024? Apply for your passport NOW!

By Rachel Gould, June 22, 2023

Two US passports sitting on top of a world map

Are you thinking of studying abroad in the winter or spring of 2024?  If so, please note that passport processing can take more than three months, and you'll need your passport in hand before you can apply for a visa (required for many programs).  If you don’t yet have a passport, or will need to renew your passport before traveling, you should take care of that ASAP! 

Note that your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you will return home from your study abroad experience.  For example, a student going abroad in Spring 2024 with a program end date of May 15 must have a passport that that is valid until at least November 15, 2024.

Passport Processing Timeline

The US State Department Passport Services site lists the following timelines for passport processing as of March 24, 2023:

  • Routine service can take 10-13 weeks 
  • Expedited service, available for an additional $60 fee, can take 7-9 weeks
  • NOTE: passport processing times begin the day your application is received at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply for a passport at a local acceptance facility. Mailing times are not included in processing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after processing.

Additional Passport Information

Remember that you will need a valid passport in order to apply for a visa (required for many but not all study abroad programs), and visas can take a long time to be issued as well, so the sooner you have a valid passport in your possession, the better.

Need More Information to Plan Your Study Abroad Experience?

Schedule an appointment with a study abroad adviser - we'll help you find the program that's right for you.  We recommend meeting with an academic adviser or your Dean's office to discuss your study abroad needs and timeline BEFORE scheduling a one-on-one study abroad appointment.

Get notified of upcoming study abroad events, information and announcements! Join the Study Abroad page on IC Engage, follow us on Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

International Programs
Peggy R. Williams Center, Garden Level (Offices 018-020)
(607) 274-3306
studyabroad@ithaca.edu