Passports & Photo I.D. for Travel

Over the summer, enrolled students are reminded to apply for a passport or renew it, as needed. Everyone must verify that their passport will be valid for at least six (6) months after their expected return date to the U.S. If that is not the case, they will have to apply for a new passport or a passport renewal. Visit the Department of State’s website: http://travel.state.gov/ and Passport & Visas in the Student Handbook.

Check the entry, exit and visa requirements of the countries you are travelling to and make sure you meet all the requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html

As of September 2018

Passengers are required to present appropriate ID in order to board domestic flights in the United States.Currently the states and federal government are in the process of implementing REAL ID and we want you to know your options during this time of transition:

• Current Virginia drivers’ licenses will be accepted for domestic flights until September 30, 2020. If you have a valid VA driver’s license, you may use that to board domestic flights. If you hold a driver’s license from another state or U.S. territory, you must determine whether your current ID is acceptable. See https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/general/#/drivers/real_id.asp for a graphic of current status of states and territories. You can also read more about REAL ID on the Homeland Security website.
• As of October 2018, you can apply for an Enhanced Driver’s License at a Virginia DMV. Please note that you must apply in person and provide additional documentation. See https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#real_faqs.asp for the process and list of required documents.There is a fee for the Enhanced Driver’s License. More information is available at the DMV website. As with any transition, you should anticipate delays in implementation. You may wish to apply for this Enhanced Driver’s License at this time, but it is not required; your current VA driver’s license will be acceptable for boarding until September 30, 2020.
• Participants who already have a valid passport or who would like to apply for one may use their passport for boarding domestic flights currently and after the REAL ID deadline. This is the most conservative approach, but having a valid passport will help prepare you for future international experiences!
• You can read more about the context of this law here:
  • https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
  • https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/virginia-among-states-scrambling-to-comply-with-federal-real-id-law/2017/05/29/2195dbe8-3cd2-11e7-8854-21f359183e8c_story.html?utm_term=.bc376f19ff04

The OIE can provide information; however, it will be up to you to determine the most appropriate form of ID to use boarding domestic flights. Think ahead and act in a timely manner so you have no trouble when you are ready to fly!