A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. If you do not already have one, you should apply for a passport immediately, especially if the country you will be studying in requires a visa. It takes 4-6 weeks to get a passport and costs approximately $85. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid at least six months beyond the last day you will be abroad, especially if you will need a visa. You can obtain a US passport application and information at major post offices, some public libraries, and a number of county and municipal offices. In Storrs, the closest place from which you can get passport service is the Storrs Post Office on 2 S. Eagleville Rd. They accept passport application materials Monday to Friday 10am-3pm, and Saturday 9am to noon. Call 1-800-275 8777 to discover what you need to bring to the post office to apply for a passport.Two passport sized photographs are required as part of the application. UCIMT in CUE building room 425 has the capability of taking these photos for you. They charge $10 for two photos. Their hours are Tuesdays from 9:00-12:00 and Thursdays from 1:00-4:00. For more passport application acceptance facilities, go to http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

Check with the embassy/consulate of the foreign country that you are planning to visit for up-to-date visa and other entry requirements. Each country varies widely on the requirements for a student visa and the length of time it takes to acquire the visa. Therefore, you should start looking into this process now. You must have a passport to obtain a visa. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid for at least six months beyond the last day you will be abroad, as this will be mandatory for most countries that require visas.

Apart from applying early, some other useful practical tips include:

- Use express or priority mail if you are sending your passport for security purposes. Track your packet and request signed receipt upon delivery.
- Check and confirm the address and phone number(s) of the embassy/consulate that you need to go to. Save them in case you get lost on the way.
- Confirm the office hours of the embassy/consulate.
- Make sure you have all of the required documents before sending the materials or coming to the embassy/consulate. Bring extra copies if necessary.
- Come in early for your appointment to avoid being asked to reschedule. Anticipate different circumstances, such as traffic, in making your travel plans to the embassy/consulate.
- Immediately after receiving your visa, make sure that the information that they put on the visa page is accurate (type of visa, name, date of birth, expiration date, etc.) In addition, check if the embassy/consulate has returned all important original documents that you submitted (passport, health insurance form, etc.) Also confirm whether the visa is good for multiple entries.
- Plan your other travels: Think about where else in the region you might want to travel, and then research on the necessary procedures/documents needed to visit the relevant country(s). Moreover, it is advisable not to make any other international travel arrangement for a period BEFORE your scheduled departure to your study abroad destination. You can never be sure when your visa will be ready. Therefore, planning another international travel without your visa (and, consequently, passport) at hand is a risky move.

Some related links that you might find helpful:
Travel visa requirements
Travel visa and health requirements
Visa guide for various countries
List of foreign consular offices in the US
Embassies (consulates not included) directory search engine 
Travel section on the NY Times
US Department of State consular information sheets 

International Student Identification Cards (ISICs) 

As a study abroad student, we recommend that you obtain an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It is the only student identification card that is universally recognized and it will entitle you to a number of discounts on flights, buses, trains, ferries, as well as at museums, hotels, and youth hostels. You may apply for an ISIC at the UConn Study Abroad Office: all that is required is the ISIC ISIC application, a passport sized photograph, $22 in cash, and proof of student status for the current academic year. For further details, please go to the STA website.