How To Get a Passport

To enter the UK a valid passport is required. Students who are U.S. citizens and need to obtain a passport should visit the US State Department website at travel.state.gov.

WARNING: In the past year there has been signicant delays in processing new and renewed passport applications. Processing can take up to several months.

Therefore, students in need of a new or renewed passport and who are thinking about this program or any study abroad program should apply immediately for a passport.

Currently the fee for applying for a new passport is $97. First-time passport holders need to apply at one of the official Passport Acceptance Facilities. In Iowa City this office is located at the U.S. Post Office at 400 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City (Phone: 319-354-1560).

Students can arrange for Expedited Service for the processing of their application. This service allows students to receive their passport in two weeks. Expedited Service costs an additional $60.

United Kingdom Visa Requirements

In the fall of 2007 the United Kingdom instituted new visa requirements for US students studying in the UK for over six months or who are participating in an internship program of any duration.

This means that as new requirement, our 2008 London Internship Program participants, will be required by British law to pay for a UK student visa. The cost of this visa will be $208 (plus postage costs of mailing your visa to the British Council to have the clearance visa stamped in your passport). For information about this and other cost estimates associated with this program click here.

It is not a difficult visa application, and the UI will advise all students in the program on how to obtain this visa during the spring semester (probably in February). For more information about this visa requirement you can click here to visit the British Council's website.