ISIC Card Overview
Full-time students aged 12 years and older will find the ISIC (International Student Identity Card) a key to numerous discounts on transportation (like Amtrak), accommodation (including hostels and hotels), tours, activities, shopping, and entertainment. Moreover, ISIC cards provide access to basic sickness and travel insurance abroad, making it an exceptional value for student travelers.
The ISIC card is priced at $25, slightly more for an upgraded travel insurance policy, and remains valid for one year from the date of issue. Consequently, it offers great value for students, allowing you to quickly make back the cost through the extensive discounts available.
Requirements Before Applying
- One passport-sized photo (2×2 inches, with name printed in ink on the back)
- Payment of $25, applicable for online, mail, or in-person applications
- Proof of student status
- Proof of age
- $3 or $20 for shipping, contingent on whether expedited shipping is selected
Steps to Get Your ISIC Card
- You can call 1-800-223-7986 (toll-free) to apply by phone through an STA travel agency, apply for an ISIC card online, or locate your nearest ISIC issuing office. Many campus registrar or international education offices serve as ISIC issuers, simplifying the process if you inquire on campus first. If there’s no ISIC issuer on campus, applying online is recommended for its simplicity.
- Gather a passport-sized photo (head and shoulders shot, 2×2 inches, with name printed on the back). Note that this step is not needed if applying online.
- Prepare a payment of $25 if applying by mail. Additionally, include $3.00 for shipping. If applying online, ensure you have your credit or debit card ready or access to your PayPal account.
- Next, gather proof of your student status: this can be a photocopy of your school ID valid for the current year or your transcript/report card for this academic year. Then, you can either deliver this to the office, send it if applying by mail, or scan it into your laptop if purchasing your card online.
- Collect proof of your age: this could be a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID if it indicates your age. A birth certificate will not suffice in this case, as your proof must display a current photo and reflect your age.
- If applying by phone or online, ensure your documents are ready for upload on your laptop to complete the online form or email them. If sending by mail, dispatch the $25 payment along with the above documents to STA Travel, INC., National Call Center, ID Card Department; 585 N Juniper Drive, Suite 250; Chandler, AZ 85226.
- Finally, wait for your ISIC card to arrive and enjoy the benefits! Standard shipping takes 15 business days at a cost of $3. If you’re in a hurry, you can expedite shipping to two days by paying $15. The ISIC card is an excellent resource for obtaining numerous student travel discounts, such as those for Amtrak, and serves as an international ID while traveling globally.
This article has been edited and updated by Lauren Juliff.
