Frequently Asked Questions

International Identity Cards

Work and Study Abroad Programmes


International Identity Cards


How do I apply for an ISIC, Youth Travel Card or Teacher Card and where do I get an application?

You can apply for an ISIC, Youth Travel Card or Teacher Card or get an application form by:

- visiting in person a student or youth travel office listed on our Travel Offices page;

- writing to or phoning a student or youth travel office listed on our Travel Offices page and ask for an application form to be sent to you in the mail;

- applying online


How long will it take to get my card?

Applications made in person:
If you apply for your card in person, you should generally be able to receive your card immediately.

Applications made by mail or by internet:
If you apply by mail or through the internet, your card may take 6-7 working days to get to you. Allow plenty of time before your travel departure date to receive your card.

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Can I apply for an ISIC over the internet?

Yes, you can apply for ISIC over the internet. Apply Now !!!
Mode of payment
Demand Draft of Rs.350/=
(Card fees : Rs 250, Courier : Rs. 100 if you like us to send the card through courier)
Cash : Rs.250 ( Issuing offices counter )


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There is no student travel office in my country. Where can I get an international identity card?

The ISIC, Youth Travel Card and Teacher Card can be issued to any eligible applicant from any issuing office anywhere in the world. Simply contact a student and youth travel office in a country near you to request an application form.

Click here for a list of student and youth travel offices within India.

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What do I need to get an international identity card?

ISIC
The ISIC is especially for full-time students.

To qualify for an ISIC, you must be able to prove you are currently attending school full-time in a recognised programme of study. There is no upper-age limit but you must be at least 12 years old.

Acceptable proof of full-time student status includes either;

- A copy of your university or student I.D. card, if properly dated and clearly indicating your full-time student or scholar status; or
- A signed and dated letter on official university or school stationery attesting to your full-time student or scholar status. An original copy is preferred, but photocopies and faxes may be accepted.

International Youth Travel Card
The International Youth Travel Card is especially for persons 25 years of age or younger who are not attending full-time studies.

To get a International Youth Travel Card you must be able to prove your age. Acceptable proof of age includes a copy of any one of the following:

- Your passport
- Your birth certificate
- An official identity card issued by law enforcement authorities

Teacher Card
The Teacher Card is especially for full-time teaching professionals.

Acceptable proof of full-time teaching status is:

- A letter on official school or university stationery confirming that you are employed at a recognised educational establishment for a minimum of 18 hours per week and for a minimum of one academic year.

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I just finished school; am I still eligible for an ISIC?

The ISIC is especially for full-time students.

To qualify for the ISIC, you must be currently attending school full-time in a recognised program of study and be at least 12 years old. If you are not a full-time student, you are not eligible for an ISIC.

What if you are not a full-time student?

If you are 25 years old or younger, you qualify for the International Youth Travel Card. This card is especially for young persons who are not full-time students and offers thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits.

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I am not a student now but will be enrolled soon, am I eligible for an ISIC?

The ISIC is especially for full-time students.

To qualify for the ISIC, you must be currently attending school full-time in a recognized program of study and be at least 12 years old. If you are not enrolled as a full-time student at the time of application, you are not eligible for an ISIC.

What if you are not a full-time student?

If you are 25 years old or younger, you qualify for the International Youth Travel Card. This card is especially for young persons who are not full-time students and offers thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits.

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My international identity card was lost / stolen. How can I replace it?

You can replace your ISIC, Youth Travel Card or Teacher Card by contacting a student and youth travel office and requesting an application form.

Information required by the issuing office will depend on what type of card you need. For an ISIC, you will need to present proof that you are enrolled in full-time studies in a recognised program of study. For a Youth Travel Card, you will be required to show proof that you are 25 years old or younger. For the Teacher Card, you will be required to prove that you are working as a full-time teaching professional.

Applications for replacement cards can be made by mail or in person at any ISTC Member student and youth travel offices.

Lost or stolen international identity cards are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Click here to find a student and youth travel office near you.

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How long is my international identity card valid for?

ISIC

The ISIC is valid for a maximum of 16 months.

2006 ISICs issued in the Northern Hemisphere are valid from:
1 September 2006 to 31 December 2007

2006 ISICs issued in the Southern Hemisphere are valid from:
1 December 2006 to 31 March 2008

In India we follow the Southern hemisphere validity period.

International Youth Travel Card

The International Youth Travel Card is valid for one year from the day it is issued.

Teacher Card

The Teacher Card has the same validity dates as the ISIC.

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How do I renew my international identity card once it has expired?

You can renew your ISIC, Youth Travel Card or Teacher Card by contacting a student and youth travel office and requesting an application form.

Information required by the issuing office will depend on what type of card you need. For an ISIC, you will need to present proof that you are enrolled in full-time studies in a recognised program of study. For a Youth Travel Card, you will be required to show proof that you are 25 years old or younger. For the Teacher Card, you will be required to prove that you are working as a full-time teaching professional.

Applications for renewal cards can be made by mail or in person at any ISTC Member student and youth travel offices.

Click here to find a student and youth travel office near you.

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Do I get travel insurance with my international identity card?

Some International Student, Youth Travel and Teacher Cards include basic travel insurance benefits. Check carefully with the issuing office to understand what is covered. You can also purchase special policies from your local student and youth travel office.

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Do I get discounts with my international identity card when I travel by plane, bus, ferry or rail?

YES! The ISIC, Youth Travel Card and Teacher Card provide all kinds of discounts and special benefits when you travel.

From discounts on airfares, to train tickets and ferry crossings to rental cars, there are literally thousands of special offers available to cardholders. The number of discounts may vary from country to country, but you’re sure to find substantial savings when you travel with an international identity card.

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Work and Study Abroad Programmes


Can the ISTC give me information on scholarships or educational exchange programmes for studying abroad?

For information on scholarships and eduactional exchange programmes contact your local student travel bureau or see if your school or local library has a copy of Study Abroad.

This book is published by UNESCO and contains 2,908 entries concerning post-secondary education and training opportunities in 124 countries valid for 2000-2001.

If your library does not have a copy of this book, it is possible to order a copy through UNESCO Publishing distributors in most countries. The cost of the book is 120 French Francs. ISIC Cardholders are entitled to a 20% discount.

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Where can I find information on work abroad or volunteer programmes?

Work Abroad Programs

Many ISTC Member organisations administer programmes that allow students and young people to work abroad for short periods of time.

Volunteer Programs

Some ISTC Member organisations co-ordinate 2-3 week volunteer work camps, mostly in the summer months. These work camps are available worldwide and offer a great way to see a country from a differnet perspective.

A Directory on International Voluntary Service is also published on the internet. This is a comprehensive list of organisations worldwide that organize short and long-term volunteer opportunties. Check out http://www.astro.virginia.edu/~rd7a/morelinks.html for more details

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Does the ISTC arrange for student work permits?

The ISTC cannot get you a work permit, but certain ISTC Member organisations can provide assistance.

Many ISTC Member organisations administer programs that allow students and young people to work abroad for short periods of time. Members work directly with government regulatory agencies to arrange permits that allow you to work and reside in a host country.


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