US Visa Information for travellers from abroad.
General information about US visas can be found at the web site: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/
The U.S. State Department requires citizens of many countries to obtain visas to attend a scientific meeting. In addition, as of 26 October 2004, the State Department requires citizens from visa waiver program (VWP) countries to obtain visas if they do not have machine-readable passports and they wish to visit the U.S.
If a VWP national does not possess a machine-readable passport or a non-immigrant visa, the traveler may be granted a one-time exemption. This exemption will be noted in their passport.
As of 30 September 2004, the US-VISIT Program, implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, applies to all visitors with visas and those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program.
We advise anyone who may need a visa for this meeting to apply early. Visa applicants should apply at least 3 months in advance. Security-related policies have greatly increased the processing time for visa applications. U.S. consular officers will now be interviewing most applicants as part of the application process.
Information on the procedures to follow to obtain a visa or a machine-readable passport and suggested actions in the event of a visa delay or denial are provided at the following site: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html
If you need a letter of invitation, please e-mail the Conference Chairman to make your request.