Passports

Passport

In order to travel overseas, you will of course need a valid passport from the country of your nationality. Many countries require that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date that your study/work abroad finishes. Please carefully check the requirements for your host country as these may differ and check your passport expiry date now!

Renewing an existing British passport

• If you find your passport is due to expire whilst you are abroad/before you go abroad/up to six months after the end of your placement as a general rule, you will need to renew it. You can renew your passport whenever you want and do not have to wait until your passport has expired to renew it.

When renewing/applying for a passport

• Apply as early as possible as delays are common. Allow AT LEAST 6 WEEKS before you are due to travel (it could take longer in the busy summer months), or AT LEAST 12 WEEKS if you also need to obtain a visa. For more information on British passports see:www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports International students should seek advice from their own consulate.

N.B. The Placements and International Programmes Office is not an approved immigration advice service and staff are not legally qualified to give immigration advice. Immigration legislation is complex and constantly changing, so you should ALWAYS obtain visa advice directly from the relevant consulate or embassy.

Travel Plans

• Shop around! and compare prices.
• If you have connecting flights, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time in between!
• If you are undertaking long-haul flights, bear in mind the effects of jet-lag and allow yourself time to recover before classes start.
• Check baggage limitations – airlines (budget airlines in particular) have strict limits as to the amount of baggage you can take with you. You will need to check with your airline to find out what the weight limit is for hand and hold luggage – and be warned that charges for excess baggage are very high!
• Give consideration to sustainability and your carbon footprint when determining your travel plans.

When should I book my flight?

It is advised that, if you are undertaking an international placement you SHOULD NOT book flights until you have been granted 'Travel Approval' by the University.