Visa Travel Information

A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1), unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For more information about whether you qualify for the VWP or if you require a B-1 visa, please visit the U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs web page. A letter of invitation may be required. A letter of invitation will be issued once the registration form and payment have been received and validated by the Congress Secretariat.

Visa Requirement
A visa support letter can be provided for authors and registered attendees upon request.

The United States has updated its visa policy for increased security. As a result, it now takes longer to obtain a visa. Advance planning by travelers is essential to avoid frustration and disappointment.

• Review your visa status to find out if you need a U.S. visa or a visa renewal.

• Plan to submit your visa application well in advance of your intended departure date.

• Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for current time estimates and recommendations.

• Visit the embassy or consular section website to find valuable information on how to schedule an interview appointment, finger scanning – if required – and pay fees. An interview is required as a standard part of processing for most visa applicants.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) some countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days (about 3 months) or less without obtaining a visa. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa if they prefer to do so. Nationals of VWP countries must meet eligibility requirements to travel without a visa on VWP, and therefore, some travelers from VWP countries are not eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are required to have a valid authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel, are screened at the port of entry into the United States and are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.

For more information, refer to the U.S. Government website.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
A passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the U.S. is required. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make a separate application. Please check with the website, https://www.cbp.gov, to confirm that your passport is compliant. Temporary Passports will likely merit special scrutiny. To avoid complications, check with your local US consular offices, well ahead of your intended departure dates.

Disclaimer
This information is provided in good faith, but travel regulations do change. For up-to-date information, the only authoritative source is the U.S. Government website.