Passports for U.S. Citizens

If You Already Have a Passport

Ensure your passport will be valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your program. If your passport has already expired or will expire before then, you should apply for a new passport immediately.


If You Need A New Passport or Do Not Have One Already

Note to U.S. citizens applying to study abroad:  Due to the pandemic, both the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Postal Service are experiencing delays in the processing/mailing of passports.  Syracuse Abroad encourages you to consider applying for an expedited passport which will cost an additional $60 but will reduce the processing time. Check the U.S. State Department for more information. Depending on your timeframe, you may also want to have your passport application express delivered to the U.S. passport processing agency and have your new passport express delivered to your home. 

For instructions on how to apply for or renew a passport and for the most up-to-date information, visit the U.S. Passports & International Travel page of the U.S. Department of State website.

Make sure to leave sufficient processing time, especially if you are participating in a program that also requires a visa. A student cannot apply for a visa without a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end date of the program. Pre-pandemic, routine processing to apply for or renew a passport is 4 – 6 weeks.

Syracuse University students can submit their completed application materials at the Post Office in Marshall Square Mall.


If Your Passport is Lost or Stolen

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately. If you are in the U.S. and traveling within two weeks, apply in person at a Passport Agency or Center to replace your passport in eight business days or less. Read more about what to do if your passport is lost or stolen while still in the U.S.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad, notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Read more about what to do if your passport is lost or stolen abroad.