A passport is a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country verifying the identity and nationality of the holder. A passport is necessary to travel in and out of foreign countries in accordance with visa requirements. You should have a valid passport in your possession at least 3 months prior to the start date of your study abroad program. Your passport also should have an expiration date at least 6 months beyond the end date of your study abroad program.

If you already have a Passport

• Check the expiration date. For entry to many countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the last day you plan to be in the country. If your passport expires before that date, you will need to renew it.
• U.S. citizens should visit the U.S. Department of State's website for information about renewing a passport. While most renewals are completed by mail, as of June 2024, the Department of State has launched a beta release for online passport renewals. International students should research passport renewal for their country of citizenship and be aware of how renewal may impact their U.S. student visa.
• Check to see if you have empty pages for a visa stamp, if necessary.
• Make a copy (or take a photo) of the name page and relevant visa page(s). Keep a copy/photo for yourself and share one with your family in case your passport is stolen or lost. This will help make the replacement process easier.

If you do NOT have a Passport

• Apply for one as soon as possible and factor in the processing times. Check the Department of State website linked below for the current processing times.
• U.S. citizens should visit the U.S. Department of State's website for information about applying for a passport. 
• You can also apply for one at the New Haven Free Public Library.

It is a good idea for a family member or designated emergency contact to have a passport of their own. In the event of an emergency, they will be able travel abroad to be with you.

Lost or Stolen Passports While Abroad

U.S. citizens should review the information on the U.S. Department of State Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad page for guidance. Citizens of other countries are encouraged to contact the nearest embassy for their country of citizenship.

Updated Gender X Passport Guidance

January 22, 2025: In April 2022, the US Department of State (US DOS) created a gender X option for US passports.

On January 20, 2025, an executive order was issued stating:

Section 2. It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.

(d) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex.

The US DOS has updated its passport application systems. Future study abroad students applying for a passport must now select their sex at birth (M or F) as the option for "X" has been removed from the website, https://www.travel.state.gov.

Students who have already submitted a passport application and selected "X" may experience processing delays. The DOS may contact you to request additional documents or records to confirm your biological sex for your passport application.

On February 10, 2025, the DOS published a new webpage titled Sex Marker in Passports. The page clarifies:

"All passports—including those with an X marker or those listing a sex different from your sex at birth—will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy."

Additionally, the FAQ section states:

"Q: Is my passport still valid if I have an X marker or if it lists a sex other than my sex at birth?

A: Yes. Your passport will remain valid until its expiration date."

The Office of International Education encourages students or faculty members with questions regarding this updated federal guidance to contact our office at 1 (203) 392-6756 or by email at oie@southernct.edu.

Contact Information for the Department of State

We understand that our community may find this information distressing. Please remember that all SCSU Students Abroad are able to access mental health support services through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) by calling AXA Assistance 24/7 at the number on their CISI medical cards. We encourage students currently at Southern seeking support to reach out to the Sage Center and/or Counseling Services.