How much does it cost to get a passport?

And how to get it for free with GEEO’s Passport Grant!

If you’re looking to explore the world, you’ll need to get a passport before you go abroad, and to do that you’ll need to shell out $165…however, if you’re a teacher things just got quite a bit cheaper.

At GEEO, we believe every teacher should use the world to inspire their classroom. We’ve watched thousands of educators return home from our trips refreshed and ready to bring global perspectives to their students. But for many teachers, getting a passport is a real barrier in the way.

That’s why we’re thrilled to launch the GEEO Passport Grant, a new initiative that helps teachers take that first big step toward seeing the world.

This program fully covers the cost of a first-time passport for educators joining a GEEO trip. It’s our way of saying: let’s make the world a little more accessible, one teacher at a time.

Photo Credit: Karen G.

What the GEEO Passport Grant Covers?

If you’re a full-time educator who has never had a U.S. passport and you register for an international GEEO program, we’ll provide a $165 travel credit to cover the complete cost of your passport book.

That amount is applied directly to your final program balance, so you don’t need to do any extra paperwork or wait for reimbursement. Just pick your dream destination, apply for your passport, and start planning your classroom’s next big story.

Photo Credit: Kathy N.

Who Qualifies for a Free Passport?

Not everyone! So double-check these requirements before you get started:

• You’re a current full-time educator (K-12 or college)
• You haven’t previously traveled on a GEEO program
• You book a new GEEO program (after October 1, 2025)
• You’ve never had a passport before
• You submit your proof of educator status and your passport purchase receipt after booking

Photo Credit: Megan

Why We Created It?

Stepping outside your comfort zone for the first time can feel daunting, and for many teachers, the cost of a passport is the first hurdle. We want to make that step easier because we know what comes next: profound cultural insights, transformative classroom stories, and new friendships across continents.

When you travel with GEEO, you’re not just on a trip, you’re bringing the world back to your students. And that is hugely important to us!

How to Apply for a Passport (and Use the GEEO Grant)?

Booking your first international trip and applying for your first passport may seem overwhelming, but it’s really pretty simple. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Book your GEEO trip: We’ve got more than a few to choose from, so take your time!
2. Gather your passport application documents: You’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo.
   
3. Fill out form DS-11: You can complete it online or by hand.
   
4. Submit your application: Bring it to an authorized acceptance facility (often a post office, library, or courthouse) along with payment.
   
5. Pay the fee: $130 for the passport book, plus a $35 execution fee. Keep your receipts!
6. Share your passport receipt with GEEO: Once you’ve booked your GEEO trip, simply send us your passport payment receipt and proof of educator status and we’ll apply the $165 credit toward your trip balance.
7. Track your status: You can check your application progress online while you wait. Processing times vary depending on demand and time of year, but generally range from 6-10 weeks.

If you just applied for your passport and your just finding out about GEEO’s Passport Grant, no problem! You can still get refunded the price of the passport if you book with us and share your receipt

Photo Credit: Janet M.

Important Details to Know

We’re all about honesty and transparency, so we want you to know all the details of our new grant before you commit.

• The grant is credited only for booked, confirmed GEEO programs. If you cancel your trip, the funding is forfeited.
• There’s no cash value; the credit applies only toward your trip.
• Processing times for passports vary, so we recommend applying right away once you register for your program.
• If you have any questions about documents, fees, or the application process, reach out to us at travel@geeo.org. We’re happy to help every step of the way.

Photo Credit: Andrea B.

Ready to Take That First Step?

Choose your program, book with confidence, and claim your grant because the world is one passport stamp away. Before you know it, you’ll be riding camels through the Sahara, swimming with iguanas in the Galapagos, or hiking up to ancient Machu Picchu!

Explore our upcoming trips now and discover where your next classroom will be.

Discover the Passport Grant.