Passport, Visa and Identification
Passport
Apply immediately for a passport if you do not already have one. It often takes several weeks for applications to be processed. An application, which costs about $75.00, can usually be obtained at a local post office or on the Internet. Expedited Service is an additional $60, plus the cost of exoedited mailing services (USPS Overnight, etc.) A U.S. passport is valid for ten years. Canadian citizens should note that Canadian passports are valid for five years and cost about 60.00 Canadian dollars. An Australian Passport A$150

·     Please do not submit photographs of yourself in a Roman collar since this may cause difficulties when traveling in certain countries.

·     Passports should not be packed in a suitcase since they must be presented to both airline and customs officials.

·     Make photocopies of the passport identification page, keeping one with you and leaving one at home. If you lose your passport, such photocopies will make it much easier to obtain a replacement quickly.

Italian Visa
The Italian government requires all non-Italian citizens who plan to reside in Italy to have obtained a visa at least one month prior to arrival in Italy. It is necessary to have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your stay before you may apply for a visa. Anyone who plans to study Italian in Italy during the summer months should begin the visa application process immediately (once he has a valid passport). Visa application forms are available at most Italian consulates, and online. Since Italian consulates in North America have varying policies regarding visa application, it is wise to inquire what items are necessary for the application, and whether the application may be submitted by mail or must be done in person. Seminarians should contact their regional consulate as soon as possible to begin the application process for the visa. As a general rule, most Consulates will want documentation verifying that you will have medical coverage and a means of financial support. This documentation often comes in the form of a letter from the diocese stating that you have a health insurance policy (which is a must) and that they will support your financially. Additionally, a letter from your health insurance company and a bank statement may be required depending on the Embassy or Consulate. Students who apply at any other Consulate office may be denied a visa or be given only a three-month temporary visa. If your home address is outside of your diocese and you are on a summer pastoral assignment, it is sometimes possible to use the address of your pastoral assignment for the purpose of establishing Consulate jurisdiction. If you are want to do this, some Consulates will accept a notarized letter form your diocese stating that you are living and working at a given address within the diocese. The College will mail students who have been accepted additional information and the required residency information for the visa application process. As a general rule, it is best to apply as early as is possible. But you should not begin the process until you have received an acceptance letter from the Rector of the College. It may also be prudent to contact those in your diocese who have completed this visa process recently, as you may be able to benefit from their experience.

For complete details of the Italian VISA procedure click here.

For Italian Visa information: http://www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp

Driver’s License
Your present driver’s license is needed to drive or rent a car within the European community. You may want to consider renewing it before leaving so that it does not expire while you are away. This will be valid for driving in Europe for up to a year of your stay. After this time, you must obtain an Italian Driver’s License, although we have found that, in practice, most car rental companies will accept your American license no matter how long you have been in the country.

Although it is not necessary, it is sometimes more helpful to have an International Driver’s License. You can obtain one, valid for one year, at any AAA office in the United States. You should also inquire about renewal by mail, should this become necessary while you are abroad.

Canadian residents may apply for an international driver’s license at their local C.A.A., valid for one year. The cost is about 10.00 Canadian dollars. Be sure to bring a supply of application forms with you. Ontario residents should apply for the photo license presently being offered. Photo IDs are very important in Europe.

Both AAA and CAA members can also request free traveling maps of the major cities and countries in Europe.

Photographs
At least sixteen (16) passport-size photographs are required for various applications. (These photographs need to be good quality ‘film-photography’ pictures, not digital, cut to exactly passport-size. If you cut them yourself, we recommend using a paper cutter as opposed to scissors so as to have the most professional looking product possible)

Passport application: 2 photographs (official photographs, taken with a special camera for passport photos.
North American College: 14 photographs (send with application) 5 of these are going to the Italian government for soggiorno applications, so they will need to be official passport photographs).
Additional applications: It may be wise to bring a few extra photographs for any other applications you may need to fill out during your time here, e.g. university paperwork, and student discount travel cards.


The U.S. State Department and Foreign Affairs Canada require special types of pictures for passports, but photographs for the College and other applications may be the type of pictures that can be obtained in a photo-booth which are not as expensive as those of passport quality. These pictures can be obtained here but are much less expensive and more readily available in North America. A.A.A. and C.A.A. members may find it advantageous to have their photos taken by the Automobile Association, since the cost may be included in their membership agreement. Most local pharmacies, i.e. Walgreen’s, C.V.S., or Eckert, and Kinko’s are able to take these types of photos.