International Travel

What Do I Need?

International participants traveling to the United States must determine whether they require a visa or are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Travelers from VWP countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel.

For Visitors Requiring a Visa

If you require a visa to travel to the United States, you must apply for the appropriate visitor visa based on the purpose of your trip.

It is normally a B1* visa: Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference for a business visit. Please check current visa categories and requirements with the U.S. State Department.

Visa visitors must have a machine-readable passport and schedule an in-person interview with the U.S. State Department consulate or embassy. The application process varies by location. Please contact your local consulate for the most accurate information.

It can take up to four months to get an interview date. Please contact your nearest consulate as soon as possible to request an interview date. Participants are strongly encouraged to begin the visa application process as early as possible and to consult the official U.S. government resources or their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.

U.S. Visitor Visa Information.

Letter of Invitation

Registered participants may request a Letter of Invitation to support their visa application.

Please note:

• Registration and full payment may be required before a letter can be issued
• Letters are issued for conference attendance purposes only
• A Letter of Invitation does not guarantee visa approval and does not imply financial support
• The Letter of Invitation will ONLY be sent by email to the email address that you provide.
• The Letter of Invitation cannot be emailed or sent to the Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
• The conference organizers cannot intervene in visa matters or communicate with U.S. Embassies or Consulates on behalf of participants. 

Instructions for requesting a Letter of Invitation will be provided closer to the conference date.