There are several reasons it is important to have an up-to-date passport at the time of your study abroad application. Passports take time to process; the average processing time is four to six weeks, but depending on the number of applications, this time-frame may be even longer! Even if your passport is valid today, it needs to be valid for at least six months after your estimated return date to the United States. Depending on the country you are traveling to, you may also have to apply for a visa which requires that you have a valid passport already. In short - apply today as it is not too early! U.S. citizens: find out more information and apply online.