Expiration – Many countries require that your passport be valid for 6 months beyond your dates of travel. Please check your expiration carefully.
Passport Application Process – If you need a passport, please read the details below and make sure to apply with enough time until travel.
Passports for U.S. Residents
It may take up to six weeks to get a passport. Applicants will be required to bring two official passport photos, a birth certificate and a parent must show ID in the form of a license or passport.
For more information, click here.
For expedited passports, you can contact Instant Passport, a private company, at 800.284.2564 or visit the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Website.
Passports for Canadian Residents
Applications for passports can be picked up at any post office, travel agency, or passport office. Applicants will be required to bring proof of citizenship in the form of a birth certificate and two official passport photos.
For more information, click here.
Visa Information
A few Westcoast Connection / 360° Student Travel programs require a visa for entry or other specific instructions. More information will be included in your specific pre-trip information package. For most up to date information, please see the following:
U.S. Citizens – click here.
Canadian Citizens – click here.
Other Citizens – If you live in another country, please check with your local government and/or contact us for assistance.
Here is some general information about some of our destinations.
China Mandarin Language
All travelers require a visa issued by the government of the People’s Republic of China in order to legally enter China. The Chinese government suggests that visas be secured not more than two months prior to travel in order to remain valid throughout the time our group will be in China. To ensure a timely receipt of a visa, plan to obtain your visa during the first 2 weeks of May. This gives ample time during the application process.
There are two ways to secure a visa to enter China:
1 – Using a private company or travel agent. This is the simplest way with a normal cost of a visa plus an additional charge for their services. You will need to mail in your passport, so it is imperative that you find a reputable and legitimate company to work with.
2 – Applying in person at the embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over the state or province in which you live.
Please ask us for more detailed information about these options.
South Africa Community Service 13 and 25 Day Programs or South Africa Family Getaway
To enter South Africa, you must have 2 blank pages facing one another in your passport. If you have traveled often and no longer have this space available, you must acquire a new passport as this is strictly enforced.
Australia and Australia plus Hawaii Active Teen Tour Programs
An Electronic Travel Authority Visa is required for travel to Australia and is valid for up to 3 months. For all American and Canadian residents, we will provide you a form to complete for us to procure it for you. If you need more information regarding this requirement, please click here.
Travelers From Outside the U.S. & Canada
In addition to a passport, make sure all your travel documents are in order. Check if a visa is mandatory for travel from your country.
For overseas visitors to the USA, you will need to receive approval using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program under the Visa Waiver Program. Apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours in advance of your trip. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will now be unable to accept international travelers without ESTA approval or a valid visa or Green Card. If you have a U.S. passport this is not applicable. The ESTA can be obtained by visiting the ESTA Web site.
