Obtain Travel Documentation and Immunizations

You may need to complete one or more of the following tasks before leaving the country:

  1. Obtain or renew your passport
  2. Obtain a student visa
  3. Photocopy your travel documents
  4. Get necessary immunizations

1. Obtain or renew your passport

If you do not have a passport, you must apply for it immediately. If you have a passport, make sure that will be valid for at least six months beyond your anticipated return to the U.S. If it is due to expire before then, you must renew it.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact the Northwestern International Office at 847-491-5613 immediately to ensure that you do not jeopardize your residency status by participating in a program abroad. You will also need to contact the embassy or consulate of your host country to obtain the visa requirements for your host country.

How to obtain or renew a passport:
  • Obtain passport photos at one of the following locations:
    • Kinko's, 2518 Green Bay Road
    • Walmart, 5630 Touhy Ave.
    • CVS, 101 Asbury St.
    • AAA, 9245 Skokie Blvd.
    • Evanston Wildcard Office, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Dr., Underground Level
    Don't forget to get several extra photos, to be used for visa applications, the International Student Identity Card, etc.
  • Submit your application in person to the Evanston Post Office:
    1101 Davis Street
    Evanston, IL 60201
    847-328-6288

    Cost of a passport: $100 for a first-time passport, $75 for passport renewal

2. Obtain a student visa

Some countries require students to have the appropriate visa for entry. Please visit the U.S. Department of State's country-specific websites or contact your host country's U.S. embassy or consulate for further information.

If you have questions about obtaining a student visa, contact your program provider's office.

3. Photocopy your travel documents

Make two copies of your visa, passport, and other important documents. Keep one copy for yourself, and give another copy to a family member or friend in the U.S. It is important to have these on file in case you lose the originals!

4. Get necessary immunizations

Make arrangements to get any necessary immunizations from Northwestern Health Services or a hospital. Some require multiple visits over a period of a few months. For details, see Northwestern University Travel Health Services.