Passport
A
passport is necessary to travel abroad and to obtain a tourist visa. If
you don't already have a passport, you must apply for one immediately.
If you do have a passport, it must be valid for up to 6 months upon the
date of your return from your volunteer abroad program.
Please allow plenty of processing time for your passport. Usually it takes approximately 6 weeks to process, though during busy seasons, it may take longer. In an emergency it can be expedited for an additional fee.
Applying for a Passport
Passport agencies are located in all major cities of America. You can also apply for a passport at a clerk office in any State Court of Record. You may also apply through Postal Clerks designated by the Postmaster General (information regarding post offices with passport capabilities is usually listed in the government section of the telephone book).
New passports usually cost around $100.00, but you should always inquire before you make an appointment to get one. Passports are valid for 10 years after the date of issue. Applications for a new passport must be submitted in person.
Additional information regarding passports is available at the U.S. State Department Passport Services website. Or click the "Get a Passport" icon above.
Partners and spouses are also advised to apply for a passport at the same time
as the volunteer so that they have the option of visiting their significant other
or traveling in-country in the unlikely event of an emergency.
After
you receive your passport, and before traveling abroad, please make
sure to make copies of the picture page to keep with you in your
luggage, and to give someone at home to keep. Then, if you should lose
you passport, the serial number from the copies will enable you to have
an easier time getting another passport issued to you while abroad. You
should also register with the US Embassy while traveling.
Visa
Certain
countries may require a tourist visa for entrance. In the current
political climate this process changes frequently. You must check with
the local consulate general of your host country to see whether or not a
visa is required and what documentation is required. Please consult the
Electronic Embassy (http://www.embassy.org) or Project Visa (http://www.embpage.org)
for local embassies and contact information. You are ultimately
responsible for correctly completing the visa process, however Volunteer Positive will help you with the preparations
for application. Keep copies of all documents!
Applying for Your Visa
Visa
requirements change rapidly and without notice. Ultimately, it is
the volunteer's responsibility to keep up-to-date with visa requirements.
Visa requirements are varied from country to country. Do not apply for
your visa until you have received your visa information packet from Volunteer Positive.
You may be required to apply in person for your visa, and you should be sure to check with the local embassy for a list of documentation you will have to bring with you to your appointment. You should also be sure to apply as soon as you are instructed by the embassy to ensure a smooth process.
Note! Visa requirements are set by the host country's government. They must be followed exactly as outlined. Neither Volunteer Positive or the US government can alter the requirements.
