Passport: Apply at the main post office Room 216, 700 R St. Lincoln, 473-1695 Mon Fri. 7:30 to 4:30;1124 Pacific, Room 1108, Omaha, 348-2574, Mon. Through Fri, 8 to 4. Take with you: 1) proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization papers), 2) two passport photos, 3)identification (driver’s license, etc.) And 4)$97.00 If your previous passport is not over 15 years old, you can apply by mail for a fee of $55.00 (if you were 16 years old when first passport was issued). Applications are available at the main post office or on the following website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html
Certified Birth Certificate: Can be obtained from the HHS Office of Vital Records, Lincoln's Gold's Galleria, 1st Floor, 1033 "O" Street, Suite 130 (11th & N Streets) in Lincoln, 471-2871 or Vital Statistics, 1819 Farnam St., Omaha, 444-7204 ( if you were born in Nebraska.) If you were born outside Nebraska, you must contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics from your state of birth. The cost is usually $8.00 per copy.
Passport Photos: Available at International Affairs: 2 instant color photos cost $6.00. The Photo Lab, 420 Nebraska Hall also takes color passport photos for $17.50 for the sitting plus $2.50 for each photo. Sheets of 8 photos are $1.60 for each photo. Call 472-2666 for an appointment. Allow 2-4 days for the finishing. You’ll need 2 photos for your passport, usually 3 for each visa, and 2 for an International Drivers License.
Visas: Special permission to visit a country that is sometimes required in addition to valid passport. Entry requirements to each country are listed on Consular Information Sheets on the State Department website. http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html
For a U.S. Citizen: 1) No visa is required in Western European countries or Japan if staying less than 3 months and not seeking employment (for information on work permits, contact International Affairs). 2) A visa is required for many countries in the rest of the world. Sometimes they are obtainable quickly at the border, otherwise must be applied for in advance by contacting the embassy or consulate of that country.
For a non-U.S. Citizen: 1) Contact the consulate of the country to be visited to determine whether a visa is required. 2) If required, apply through consulate for country to be visited. 3) for re-entry into the U.S. after your trip, you will need a valid passport, a non-expired visa (stamped inside passport) , and form I-20 (if student) or DS-2019 (if an exchange visitor), both must be signed by the foreign student advisor in International Affairs.
Customs Duty: The general rule is that you need not pay duty on the first $800.00 (effective 11/4/2002) worth of goods you purchased abroad nor on packages worth under $200.00 which you mail from abroad. If you plan to take with you a foreign-made camera, watch, etc., you may be asked to pay duty on it when you return, unless you take it to the local customs office (nearest in Omaha, 106 S. 15th St., Room 1103, Federal Bldg. 221-4661) and receive a certificate of registration before your trip. Registration is unnecessary if you have a sales slip showing the article was purchased in the USA. For further information, read “Know Before you Go”, available at any passport office or http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm
International Student Identity Card: This card entitles students to obtain free or reduced rates at theaters, museums, student hotels, etc., in many countries, as well as reduced rates on student trains, boats and flights. Cards are issued at International Affairs. Bring with you 1) your current student ID & Drivers License, 2) a photograph, 3) $22.00. Click here for the application form:
ID Card Procedure and Application
Hosteling International Membership Pass: This pass allows you to stay at any of the 4,000+ hostels which are part of the worldwide HI network for $15.00 to $30.00 per night. Hostels can be historical or purpose-built buildings most often with a common area, dormitory style rooms and cooking facilities, in addition to a low-cost, reliable place to sleep. Passes can be purchased from International Affairs for $28 for an adult membership. Hostel sleepsacks are available for sale at International Affairs. For further information: www.hihostels.com Click here for application form.
International Driving Permit: For information on which countries require the permit, phone AAA Cornhusker Motor Club 441-4500 (Lincoln) or 390-1000 (Omaha). To obtain the permit go to the AAA’s office, (Lincoln) 2900 O Street, (Omaha) 910 N 96 St, with 1) Your valid American Drivers license, 2) 2 passport-sized photos, and 3) $20.70. You must be 18 years old. |
