Passport Information
A valid passport is needed for travel to Europe. Normally, it should be valid for at least another six months from the date of entry abroad (e.g. until November 24, 2008). To apply for a passport, U.S. citizens should call 877.487.2778 or contact http://travel.state.gov/passport. Apply for a passport immediately to avoid last minute problems later on (e.g. the passport is issued but your name is misspelled) and rush-handling fees. To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.
No visa is needed at this time for U.S., Canadian, and European Union citizens. Citizens of other countries should call the U.K., French and Swiss Consulates to inquire about the possible need for a visa. Thanks to the Schengen Agreement among certain European Union (EU) countries, only one visa is needed for travel to France, Belgium, Switzerland, and most other EU countries. It is generally issued by the country of longest stay in the EU; in our case, France. Keep in mind that the U.K. is not part of Schengen. Therefore, a separate visa may be required. Expenses connected with obtaining a visa are the student's responsibility.
Before going to a consulate to apply for a visa, make sure you call or visit its website to find out what documentation is needed. A letter of acceptance into the program will be provided by Prof. Emilio C. Viano upon request.
