It is one of the best known student traditions - heading off to the US to work for the summer on a J1 visa. However, a lesser known tradition, but one that appears alive and well, is the falsifying of passport information by those under the age of 21 so that they can drink alcohol while on their summer adventure.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is urging students not to tamper with their passports in an attempt to get around the US legal drinking age of 21. It said that is aware of a number of students who have been arrested after being caught using ‘modified' passports to enter pubs and nightclubs.

The union reminded students that falsifying passports is a federal offence in the US. The punishment if convicted can include a fine or imprisonment. Those convicted will also almost certainly be refused entry to the US from that point on.

USI president, Gary Redmond, urged anyone who has tampered with their passport to have it replaced as soon as possible. Students in this situation should contact their nearest Irish consulate or embassy for advice.