Passports & Visas
Passports
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports. The State Department Website fully outlines the procedure for obtaining a new passport, or renewing an old one.
It costs $100 for a new passport and it is valid for 10 years. The application process is currently taking between 6 and 8 weeks.
Applications are available online at the State Department Website. You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen. You must also provide two passport photos, a certified copy of your birth certificate, and a valid driver's license, or comparable proof of citizenship and identity.
Where to Get Your Passport:
1. Northfield City Hall, 801 Washington St., 2nd floor. Passport processing available only on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 7am-10:30am. Photos taken on site for $10. Call 507-645-9576 with questions.
2. Rice County Courthouse in Faribault, 320 NW 3rd St. Open M-F, 8am-4:30pm. Photos taken on site for $10. Call 507-645-9576 with questions.
Be sure to sign your passport. It is not valid until you have signed it. Make two photocopies of your passport, leave one at home, and pack the second photocopy and extra passport photos somewhere other than with your passport. In case of an emergency, one parent should have a valid passport while you are abroad.
Visas
Visas must be obtained from the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. A valid passport must be submitted with the visa application. Perry International provides comprehensive information about visa requirements for most countries.
Your program director should inform you about visa requirements and application procedures. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should consult your own consulate or the consulates of the countries you intend to visit.
Visa Processing Services:
CIBT, Global Relocation Services
Two Greenway, Plaza Suite 220
Houston, TX 77046
Phone: 888-947-5947
http://www.cibt.com
Perry International
Phone: 312-372-2703
Zierer Visa Services
Phone: 800-421-6706
International Express
Phone: 312-663-3131
Travel Document Express
Phone: 202-785-3250
Travel Document Systems
Phone: 800-874-5100
http://www.traveldocs.com
Express Visa Service, Inc.
http://www.expressivisa.com
Global Passport (specializes in Brazil, China, and Russia)
Phone: 800-644-1642
http://www.globalpassport.com
Customs and Immigration
U.S. Customs allow $400 worth of goods duty free per person. Purchases exceeding $400 are subject to duty taxes. For more information, visit the US Customs and Border Patrol Website.
