Unfortunately, because of terrorist attacks, the US has changed some of the requirements for visas and other travel documents. This is a summary of information we could gather, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy. We advise you to contact the U.S Embassy or Consulate closest to you to determine if you need a visa and what you must do to get one. A listing of these offices for each country can be found at:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html
Be sure to do this right away since it can take several weeks or more to get a visa.
Most travelers from the following countries do not need a visa, but verify this with a consular office:
|
Andorra |
Iceland |
Norway |
Even if you do not need a visa, verify what other travel documents you will need.
For travel to the conference, as long as your stay in the U.S. is 90 days or less, you can travel on a visitor’s visa.
You will probably need to make an appointment for a personal appearance interview. Waiting time for an interview appointment is usually a few weeks or less, but it can be considerably longer.
Ask about what documents you will need, what fees are required, and how the fees can be paid. Most fees are non-refundable and must be paid before your appointment.
When you call for your appointment, ask if anything else is needed.
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
One (1) 2x2 photograph.
The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed. You can find this form on the web at http://evisaforms.state.gov/ (You can complete this form on the Web and print it to take to your appointment.)
All male applicants between 16-45 years of age must also fill out the Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157. This form is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf Some consular officers may require others to complete this form as well.
You must also be able to demonstrate the following:
The purpose of your trip is to
enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment
We will you send an official letter of invitation if you need one.
You plan to remain for a specific, limited period
A round-trip (return) ticket should indicate this.
Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States
Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad (i.e. in your home country)
You have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure your return home at the end of the visit
Each applicant for a visitor visa must pay a nonrefundable US $100 nonimmigrant visa application processing fee. You usually have to pay this before your appointment.
For some countries there is an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee.
Web Sites with detailed information
To Contact U.S Embassies and Consulates abroad http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html
Consular Affairs home page http://travel.state.gov/index.html
Visa Services (for Foreigners Traveling to U.S.) http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
Visitor Visas for Business and Pleasure (this site is the most helpful) http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types_visitor2.html
Visa Waiver Program http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html
Visa Application Forms http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_forms.html
Nonimmigrant Visa Photo Requirements http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_info_photo.html
Visa Services Fees http://travel.state.gov/visa/vofees.html
Visa Services - Destination USA (Overview) http://unitedstatesvisas.gov/index.html
A five page document giving the steps for obtaining visas is at http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/pdfs/gettingavisa.02.03.pdf