Passports

Black Birthright Scholars must have or obtain a valid passport to travel.

If the Scholar already has a passport…

• The passport must be valid for at least six months after the travel date. If the passport expires within six months of the travel date, the Scholar must renew their passport prior to travel.

• The passport must have at least three completely blank pages. If the passport does not have three completely blank pages, the Scholar must renew their passport prior to travel.

If the Scholar does not have a passport, the Scholar must apply for a passport. Instructions for how to obtain a US passport can be found on the State Department website.

Instructions for obtaining a passport can vary depending upon the Scholar’s age. Please note these differences when preparing the application.

Instructions for applicants 18 years old can be found here.

Instructions for applicants16 and 17 years old can be found here.

Instructions for applicants under the age of 16 can be found here.

Special Circumstances:

If the Scholar has a passport from another country, the Scholar must have residency status in the United States that permits him/her to travel internationally. Scholars with permanent residency cards (i.e. green cards) must bring their cards with them on the trip. Otherwise, they will not be permitted to travel.

If the Scholar is under the age of 16, both parents will need to be present when applying for a passport. If both parents are not legally responsible for the Scholar, the State Department has additional instructions on which forms should be completed. Please see the link above for Scholars under the age of 16.