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 December 3, 2012).
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. There have been considerable delays in the issuance of passports. It is in your interest to apply as far in advance as possible. At times mistakes are made in issuing the passport (e.g. name misspelled), thus ample time is needed in case of an error.
No visa is needed at this time for U.S., Canadian, and European Union Citizens to enter the U.K., or the European Union and Switzerland. Citizens of other countries should inquire about the possible need for a visa. The Schengen Agreement among several European Union (EU) countries simplifies the process. The visa that one obtains from one of the countries that participate in Schengen and that we visit is valid for travel to all countries of the European Union except the U.K., Ireland and depending, Denmark. It includes Switzerland. Please, inquire at the nearest French Consulate to verify that this simplified procedure applies to you and to this itinerary. Most probably you will need a letter of acceptance and proof of hotel reservation from Prof. Viano. A separate visa may be needed for the U.K.. Switzerland is now included in the Schengen visa area. Some students may need both a "Schengen" visa (from the Belgium or France consulate) and a U.K. visa.
