Passports and Visas

Passports

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 7-10 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 the date of arrival, etc.). Expedited passports are processed in 3-5 weeks. Passport application forms and information on how to apply are available online.

Passport applications can be picked up at the following Springfield location:

• Office of the Circuit Court Clerk
  200 S. 9th St.,
  Room 412
  Springfield, IL 62701
• Springfield Post Office
  411 E Monroe
  Springfield IL 62701
  Ph: (217) 753-3432
• Springfield Post Office
  2105 E Cook Street
  Springfield IL 62703
  Ph: (217) 788-7223

Passport applications are processed in Chicago:

• Chicago Passport Agency
  230 S. Dearborn St.,
  Suite 380
  Chicago, IL 60604
  Ph: (312) 341-6020

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.

Visas

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 need 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 in a UIS program, the Study Away Program will help you through the visa process.

*The University of Illinois is affirmative action/equal opportunity