Visa and Information for International Guests
Here are some practical steps you will want to be aware of when planing your visit.
Apply for a visa early, if you will need one!
Foreign nationals who plan to participate are encouraged to email us (Wes Tabler at wwtabler@lbl.gov) in advance, to make any site-access arrangements required. If you have been told by your institution that you require a visa or invitation letter to attend this event, or a letter of invitation in order to apply for a visa, please contact Wes for that purpose.
Do you need a visa?
- Attendees from many countries will be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, or visiting under VWP.
- To take advantage of the VWP, you are required to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, (ESTA) before your trip.
- ESTA is free. US Customs and Border Protection cautions that third parties who charge money for a related "service" are not capable of expediting approval. The link shown above takes you directly to the official US Government, which explains the process and allows you to enroll on line for free if you are from a country that qualifies for participation in the Visa Waiver Program.
- For the VWP you will need a machine-readable passport in order to visit US without a visa. Most countries participating, have been issuing these machine-readable passport for the last several years. The US Department of Homeland Security provides this illustrated guide to the eligible generations of passports.
CANADA, MEXICO and BERMUDA
- The US has special arrangements with adjoining nations and Bermuda
- Most Canadian citizens will not need a visa; and may enter the US using their passports, and supplying their Conference Registration as supporting documents. Check the required documents technically required for Canadian citizens to enter. We recommend using the passport among other supporting documents, as this is the surest and smoothest means of entry and return. At your port of entry, please request status as a Visitor for Business (B-1).
- Mexican citizens would usually apply for a Border Crossing Card, commonly known as a "laser visa," along with their passport and conference Registration Notice. At your port of entry, please request status as a Visitor for Business (B-1).
How do you get a visa?
- Citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program will need to request a Business (B-1) visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate. Call them to setup an appointment. When you go to the Consulate, take a copy of your Conference Registration Notice along with your valid passport. We urge you to apply as soon as you can, because the process can take time.
- Usually you would apply for a B-1 visa as a non-sponsored attendee of an international scientific workshop, or a B-2 visa for tourism.
Visa Letters and other Helpful Documentation
- If you need an official letter from us as part of your visa application, please email Wes Tabler at wwtabler@lbl.gov. Official visa letters will be sent, upon request, to registrants. These letters do not imply financial support or 'special' invitation by the Seminar or it's organizers.
- Copies of your round-trip itinerary, a printout of your Seminar registration, evidence of your stature as a scholar such as your curriculum vitae, including publication list, and evidence of your binding ties to your home country are also know to be helpful documents to have when seeking to obtaining a visa. Apply as soon as you can.
- Further helpful advice may found on the National Academies website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email: llrf13@lists.lbl.gov