Visa Information
New registration requirement for entry to US from visa-waiver countries:
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 http://www.cbp.gov/esta.
Travelers from countries not in the VWP are still required to obtain a visa upon entry into the United States.
Non-U.S. conference attendees should apply for their visas as early as possible. The U.S. National Academies is recommending the participants apply for their visas at least three months in advance of the meeting. Some consulates may have backlogs in scheduling visa interviews so applicants should first contact the consulate to find out how long the wait is for an interview. Visa wait times are available at: http://travel.his.com/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php
More detailed information is available in this pamphlet: Obtaining A U.S. Visa.
Important Links:
- U.S. National Academies International Visitor Office: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/
- U.S. Department of State Visa Web Site: http://travel.state.gov/visa