Visa Information

If you are entering the U.S from a foreign country, and are not a citizen of a 'visa waiver' country, then you must obtain a visa. Please apply for your visa well in advance of your travel. Important steps to remember:

Review your visa status and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.
Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available on out website as Visa Wait Times. Visit the embassy or consular section website 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 will be informed during the application process.

See the links below for more information about visas required for temporary visitors to the U.S.

Attendees with passports of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program should visit the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) web site at http://www.CBP.gov/esta/ to apply for a travel authorization. This is free of charge, but required under a new US law that took effect on January 12, 2009. You should receive an authorization number from the ESTA website. Note there are private, fee-based, services that offer to do this for you, however, it will not expedite the process.