Visa Information

Meeting attendees are encouraged to apply for visas as early possible.

Registration refunds will not be issued after March 23rd for denied visas.

New Procedures for International Visitors

Visitors traveling to the United States from all countries (including the visa waiver countries) are required to register personal details online at least three (3) days in advance of travel. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form you usually complete enroute to the United States. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. DHS recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin travel plans. Click here for further details.

VISAS

Meeting attendees are encouraged to apply for visas as early as possible. Registration refunds will not be issued for denied visas. As part of security procedures, applications for visas are sent to the State Department for a security review. For further information, visit the State Department web site. You can also visit the International Visitors Office website. We advise scientists traveling to the United States to apply for a visa as early as possible; at least three months before visa is needed. Please check with your local U.S. consulate or embassy to find out the earliest that you may apply for a visa. For further information and a list of your local US embassy (or consulate), please click here.

To assist you with the Visa application process (not required for countries included in the Visa Waiver Program):

• Ask for a letter of invitation to attend at least four (4) months prior to the meeting (see below for further information).
• Apply for visa at least three (3) months in advance. For countries that are on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, the State Department suggests applying for a visa eight (8) months in advance.
• Provide your entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application.
• If completion of travel plans is contingent upon early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.
• Provide proof of scientific status.
• Provide meeting brochure and letter of invitation.
• Provide evidence that you are intending to return to your country of residence. This includes such things as:
  • family ties in current country of residence
  • property ownership
  • bank account
  • an employment contract or statement from employer showing that position will continue after the dates of the meeting
• Requirements vary by passport-issuing country and citizenship (not merely residency).

VISA Problems

For applications that have not been approved 30 days after the interview you should complete an on-line questionnaire for assistance. You will be asked to name the meeting (EB 2012) and explain the purpose of your visit. Click here to view a step by step guide to the visa application process. Click here for information regarding visa wait times.