International Traveler Information

Most travelers to the United States must hold a valid visa and a passport that is valid six months longer than the intended visit. Visitors planning to visit or attend a meeting will most likely apply for a B-1 visa. Visa applicants are advised to apply as soon as they decide to travel to the United States and at least 3 to 4 months in advance. By October 26, 2004, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be required to have a machine-readable passport (MRP) in order to enter the United States without a visa. As a standard part of the visa process, the State Department now requires that consular officers interview almost every applicant. Some consulates may have a long wait for an interview so applicants should contact the consulate to schedule an interview as early as possible. Contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for details on visa application procedures at that post.

More information can be found at:

U.S. Embassies and Consulates
http://usembassy.state.gov/

Information on applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa
http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html

The National Academies International Visitors Office
http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html

Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Pamphlet_BW_Web.pdf

Homeland Security News Release
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0332.xml

An official letter of invitation can be sent, if needed, to international participants for use in obtaining visas. Please provide your name, title, affiliation, complete mailing address and email address, phone and fax numbers and submit to PCMI at incose@pcmisandiego.com.