Travel Documents

Apply Early for Passports & Visas

Non-expedited processing of U.S. passports has recently been taking as long as 12-14 weeks. Do not wait to start the application process!

What if I'm Late in Applying?

You should select expedited processing if you have fewer than eight weeks prior to the departure of your voyage.

Semester at Sea encourages U.S. students to utilize Pinnacle Travel Document Systems to process your passport and visa applications.

Non-U.S. students should contact Pinnacle Travel Document Systems at 1-888-466-0620 or at [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] for direction and assistance in acquiring the necessary travel documents.

Passports

Participants sailing on Semester at Sea must be in possession of a valid passport. Citizens of the United States can find information about applying for or renewing passports at http://travel.state.gov/passport

Visas

The number of visas required for your Semester at Sea voyage will vary according to the specific itinerary as well as your nationality. Most of the countries on our itineraries have worked with students from Semester at Sea for many years. So while obtaining the necessary visas is not likely to be a problem, we do advise you to begin the process as early as possible.

Most participants on Semester at Sea will take advantage of our relationship with long-term partner Pinnacle Travel Document Systems. Pinnacle works to make the visa acquisition process as easy as possible for each participant. For students who have already applied for admission for an upcoming voyage, you'll have access to Pinnacle's visa application packet within your myVoyage page as soon as the packet becomes available. If you choose not to utilize Pinnacle, you'll be responsible for acquiring all your travel documents (passport & visas) in advance of your arrival to the ship for embarkation. Failure to obtain all visas may prevent you from boarding the ship on embarkation day.

For specific questions regarding visas, students should feel free to contact Pinnacle Travel Document Systems directly at 1-888-466-0620 or at [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] .

For non-U.S. passport holders studying in the United States

If you are studying full-time at your U.S. institution on an F-1 Student visa, your F-1 Student status should continue uninterrupted. You should meet with your school's international student advising center prior to leaving campus so that you understand the implications of your semester abroad on your immigration status.

For all non-U.S. passport holders

Upon completion of the voyage, you will be clearing Customs & Immigration in the United States (Miami or Ft. Lauderdale). To re-enter the U.S. after your Semester at Sea, be sure you have a valid passport and the appropriate valid U.S. visa. Contact [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] for direction and assistance in acquiring other necessary travel documents.