Passport

do I need A PASSPORT?

A passport is required for EVERY student traveling abroad. In most cases (not U.S. based-programs) you will be required to submit a scanned copy of your passport along with your CGE application. 

What if I don’t have a passport? Apply for one!

The processing of your passport application once you submit it can take anywhere from 1-3 months. We HIGHLY recommend that you apply for your passport NOW or as soon as you have decided to study abroad, even if it will be 2-3 years before you study abroad. Passports obtained from age 16 and beyond are valid for 10 years so it is almost never too early to apply for your passport. Each student is responsible for obtaining passport photos and submitting a passport application via the submission instructions below. Your passport must be valid through a minimum of six months after the end of your program.

What do I need to apply for a passport?

• Completed passport application (see below for information on where to obtain an application)
• 2 identical passport photos (see below for information on where to obtain passport-quality photos)
• Valid form of identification (see list as part of the requirement process)
• Certified birth certificate or previous passport (as a valid form of citizenship)

Where do I apply for a passport?

For more information on passport requirements and access to the application form, please see the U.S. Department of State website.

In Mankato you can submit your passport application at the Blue Earth County Government Building. You can also go to their website for more information regarding applying for passports or give them a call at 507-304-4251 with any questions. They accept applications for passports from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, except major holidays. Some of the places in Mankato you can have your passport photo taken at include the Blue Earth County Government Building, Walgreens, and CVS.

For locations outside Mankato that accept passport applications, please visit the U.S. Postal Services website. Receipt of the passport averages 8 weeks after you submit your application.

IMPORTANT: If your education abroad and away, international internship or international volunteer program requires you to obtain a study or work visa permit from the country to which you will be traveling, you are required to have a valid passport as part of your visa application. Therefore, it is important that you acquire your passport early to ensure enough time for your visa to be processed. (Please see the "Student Visa" section for more information on visas.)