So you’ve decided to go to Europe! Awesome! It’s natural to be a little nervous before your first big trip, but the preparations are a lot easier than they might seem. Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at what you’ll have to do before you go and how to do each step.
The first thing you’ll need to do is get your passport! This can take up to several weeks if you’ve never had one before, so be sure to send in your paperwork early. You’ll have to mail them the following things:
1. Your completed application form (the DS-11, found on the State Department’s website travel.state.gov)
2. Your birth certificate or other proof of citizenship
3. A 2″x2″ picture of yourself
4. $105-$135 for your processing fee (depending on your age; 16 and older need the more expensive adult passport)
Wait about 6 weeks and they’ll mail you a big envelope with your identification papers and your new passport inside! When you get it, double check the information page. Make absolutely sure everything is correct, least you get stopped at the border on a typo. Keep your passport in a very safe place – you’ll need it to be able to prove who you are while on your trip.
Madame Brenner Goes to Europe! 
so if you are under 18 do you still need a passport?
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Yes, You still need a passport
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That’s so cool, I’ve always wanted to go to France and Spain, I love the art and culture.
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For the 2×2 picture of yourself, can you send a picture in or do you have to go somewhere to get the photo taken?
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You typically go somewhere (like the post office, CVS, Walgreens, etc.) and have it taken and printed for you. They are trained to make sure your photo meets all the requirements, so it’s super easy! You can take your own but you have to make sure it will be accepted (2×2, not taken at an angle, your face has to fill a certain percentage of the picture, etc.)
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How do you pay can you do it online or do you havego to a state department?
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Yes, you can pay online now! Or a lot of the time you mail in your payment with your completed form; you can go in person if you want to but it’s not required.
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Make sure to include your last name if you want the extra credit!
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Have they say anything special you have to do to go to Europe.
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I would love to go to Europe!
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Europe seems fun!
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I am awesome
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Have a fun and safe trip.
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I think this is really cool because you show the steps that you have to take on how to get a passport and how long it takes to get one!
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Wow- I didn’t know if you were under 18, you needed a passport. And I definitely didn’t know you had to do so much to get one, and that it takes so long! Good information, thanks!
-Lindsay from 7th hour World Languages with Mrs. Raine
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I would love to goto Europe!
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*go to
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I would love to go the Europe!
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*go to Europe and see all the sites
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Yes, if your under 18 you still need a passport
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When you talk about having a 2×2 photo of yourself, do you have to go somewhere to get that photo taken or do they just use your drivers licences/ learners permit photo?
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You typically go somewhere (like the post office, CVS, Walgreens, etc.) and have it taken and printed for you. They are trained to make sure your photo meets all the requirements, so it’s super easy! You can take your own but you have to make sure it will be accepted (2×2, not taken at an angle, your face has to fill a certain percentage of the picture, etc.)
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how often do you have to get your passport renewed?
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A minor’s passport (if you get it when you are 15 or younger) is good for 5 years. An adult’s passport (if you get it when you are 16 or older) is good for 10 years.
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Do you have one passport for the different countries you’re going to, or multiple?
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Just one passport! Though when you cross the border, sometimes each country will put their own visa stamp in the passport (sometimes in Europe they don’t put their own stamps due to some treaties they have with each other allowing their citizens to travel easily).
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Tu devrais envoyer ton papiers en avance. Donc il ne se perd pas dans le courrier.
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How often do you have to renew your passport?
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