Important Information about US Passports

Urgent: Apply for Your US Passport Now

All students considering study abroad must apply for a US Passport, or US Passport renewal, at the earliest possible moment.

If you do not have a passport you cannot study abroad.

As of August 24th, 2009, the US Passport Agency is processing routine applications in approximately 4-6 weeks from the time of application.

In addition, many countries require that you have a visa in order to study there. You cannot apply for a visa until you have a passport in hand.

In order to ensure a more timely delivery of your passport, you should request Expedited Service when you apply. That can cut the delivery time to 2 or 3 weeks.
 
Even if you are not sure you will be studying abroad for next semester, you should apply now. A passport is always a good thing to have, and they are valid for 10 years.
 
For further information and application instructions, see:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/.