Travel Documents
Do I need a Passport?
Passports are required for all trips traveling abroad except those to Canada, where a passport is only required if you are flying into the country or if you are aged 19 or over. You are responsible for obtaining your own passport, so please don’t delay! Visit your post office or a local office of the federal government for an application form. Note that some countries require that passports be valid for six months after you return to the United States. Please be sure that yours is up-to-date.
For more information about obtaining a passport and processing times, visit www.travel.state.gov.
For more information about obtaining a passport and processing times, visit www.travel.state.gov.
Do I need a visa to travel?
U.S. Citizens: No visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to western or central Europe, Costa Rica or Mexico. Visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Australia, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Egypt, Russia, Turkey and Vietnam.* Groups traveling to Australia are responsible for securing their own ETA Tourist Visa. For many of the other destinations, ACIS will assist U.S. passport holders to obtain necessary visas or will provide all necessary information for you to get your own visa. In the case where we are assisting, your group leader will collect your group’s passports and send them to us for visa application processing approximately 120 days prior to departure. Visas are necessary for participants connecting through these countries, even if they are not the final destination.
Non-U.S. citizens: If you are a Non-U.S. citizen you are responsible for obtaining all documents needed to enter the countries to be visited or connected through, and for reentry into the U.S. Please consult the consular offices of the countries on your itinerary, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, for complete information. If traveling to Canada on one of our programs, non-U.S. citizens can consult this website for Canadian visa requirements.
*Visas may be required for other destinations. Please contact your group leader for more information.
Should my name match what is on my passport?
It’s necessary that we have your first, middle and last name on file exactly as your name appears on your passport, not the nickname you prefer to use. If the full name on your account does not match that on your passport, please contact Traveler Support immediately at accounts@acis.com or via online chat.
Why do you need my passport information?
We need your passport information at least 2 months prior to departure, earlier for some destinations. Some sites require passport information to book entrances or for different modes of transportation. Not entering this information in a timely manner may result in missing some of the listed activities in the program. To enter your information, log in to My Account and click My Profile.
Important Information for Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining all documents needed to enter the countries to be visited or connected through, and for reentry into the U.S. Please consult the consular offices of the countries on your itinerary, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, for complete information. If traveling to Canada, non-U.S. citizens can consult this site for Canadian visa requirements.
Non-U.S. citizens unable to procure the proper documentation to travel will only receive a refund if they have purchased the Ultimate-Plus or Ultimate Protection Plan and cancel at least four days prior to the trip’s departure. Being denied boarding is not a covered by reason according to the terms of the insurance policy so please make sure your documents are all in order!
Non-U.S. citizens unable to procure the proper documentation to travel will only receive a refund if they have purchased the Ultimate-Plus or Ultimate Protection Plan and cancel at least four days prior to the trip’s departure. Being denied boarding is not a covered by reason according to the terms of the insurance policy so please make sure your documents are all in order!
Do you assist Non- U.S. Citizens with Visa applications?
For Non-US Citizens it is the passengers responsibility to obtain the visa for travel. However, we are able to provide a letter to give to the Embassy for the Visa application process. You will need to provide what information is needed for your specific circumstance.
Please send us an email at Accounts@acis.com with your name and Account ID to request one, and date of your appointment if you have it scheduled.
Normally this letter will contain the necessary trip details and personal information we have on file to verify we are making your travel arrangements, and confirm which Protection plan and coverage you have elected.
We strongly suggest for anyone going through this process to consider upgrading their Protection Plan to cover your investment should you need to cancel if the Visa is denied. Many countries all mandate a minimum level of overseas medical insurance that is only covered by our upgraded Protection Plans.
Please note, not receiving Visa is not a covered reason for cancellation, this would be covered by "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage.
Please send us an email at Accounts@acis.com with your name and Account ID to request one, and date of your appointment if you have it scheduled.
Normally this letter will contain the necessary trip details and personal information we have on file to verify we are making your travel arrangements, and confirm which Protection plan and coverage you have elected.
We strongly suggest for anyone going through this process to consider upgrading their Protection Plan to cover your investment should you need to cancel if the Visa is denied. Many countries all mandate a minimum level of overseas medical insurance that is only covered by our upgraded Protection Plans.
Please note, not receiving Visa is not a covered reason for cancellation, this would be covered by "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage.
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel?
We do not have a vaccine mandate, however, group leaders and travelers must still follow the health and safety-related entry requirements for the countries they will visit. Each individual traveler is responsible for meeting these requirements.
My passport is expired and I need an emergency one, can you help?
For an emergency passport you must make an in person appointment at Passport Agency. We can provide you with a letter to bring to your appointment that will help expedite the process and confirm your dates of travel and detail the arrangements we have made on your behalf. Please email us at Accounts@acis.com to get started.