International Travel Information
Making Life Easier for International Meeting Attendees and Exhibitors
If you are planning to attend the 2009 TechCon in Santa Clara, CA, please visit the links below to become familiar with the most recent U.S. passport and visa regulations. Apply for your visa as soon as possible, as new regulations can cause lengthy delays. Important steps to remember:
- Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal. Depending on your country of origin, you may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.
- Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide. Visit the embassy or consular section web site where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.
- Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need additional screening are informed during the application process.
- If necessary, send your request for the Letter of Invitation immediately to SVC at svcinfo@svc.org. You will need this Letter of Invitation to accompany your application for a visa, which you must take with you to the interview with the embassy in your country. The whole process can take at least four months depending upon your country of residence.
Reference Web Sites
US-VISIT - US-VISIT biometric procedures apply to international travelers holding a non-U.S. passport or visa. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's US-VISIT program provides visa-issuing posts and ports of entry with the biometric technology that enables the U.S. government to establish and verify your identity when you visit the United States.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
International visitors to the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries may now apply for travel autorization online. The tool is easy, free and available in 16 languages. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the United States. ESTA applications may be completed online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.
Voluntary Applications for Visa Waiver Program
As of January 12, 2009, the Department of Homeland Security will require all nationals and citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business [visitor (B) visa purposes] for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are required to apply for authorization though the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), are screened at their port of entry into the United States, and are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program. Currently, 35 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program.
National Academies International Visitor Office
The National Acadmies International Visitor Office has resolved more than 93% of visa processing problems that were brought to their attention. If you have applied for your visa and are having difficulties, please contact The National Academies International Visitors Office and complete a questionnaire to request assistance.
U.S. State Department
See the appropriate links at www.travel.state.gov for more information about visas required for temporary visitors to the U.S.
SVC has an International Freight Forwarder to assist exhibitors to get their equipment into the United States.
Plan Ahead and Start the Visa Application Process Immediately!
