Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements for Entry into the USA

The US has updated its visa policies to increase security, so it may take you 3 – 6 months to apply for and receive your visa. For details that apply specifically to your country please go immediately to your nearest US Consulate or Embassy. Review your visa status now to determine if you need a US visa or visa renewal and to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees, and other vital instructions. If you need a personal letter of invitation to attend the Meeting, contact membership@aip.org. Please provide the following information: complete name, mailing address, and any other details that your country of residence requires for your visa application. Only an original copy (not faxed or Email version) may be accepted with your visa application. The Meeting Organizers cannot contact or intervene with any U.S. Embassy or Consulate office abroad on your behalf so please begin your visa application process as soon as you determine that you want to attend the SoR Annual Meeting.

New Visa Waiver Program Travel

Beginning 12 January 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to travel to the U.S. for temporary business or pleasure for 90 days or less will be required by law to obtain travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States. This authorization can be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For additional information about the ESTA, please visit the ESTA website. Travelers from countries not in the VWP are still required to obtain a Visa prior to entry into the United States.

Additional Resources

The International Visitors Office site, maintained by The National Academies, also provides guidance on obtaining the necessary documents.