Passport basics:
- It can take several months to get a passport; apply now if you don’t have one
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you return from travel
Determine if you'll need a visa:
Try the U.S. State Department, or your home country’s embassy
Then ask these questions:
- What type of visa do I need (tourist, student)?
- How long will it take for my visa to arrive?
- Will I need a transit visa (for a layover or travel through another country on the way to my destination)?
International Students and Visas:
Non-U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. after travel can run into complications, so begin the visa process early