Visa Information 

The following provides basic information on visa requirements for travellers to the United States.

Participants are requested to check with the American consulate or diplomatic mission in their home country. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a Visa with no commitment from the organisers to provide any financial support.  In order to obtain more information and find your local embassy/consulate, please visit the official website of the US Department of State:  www.usembassy.gov  

Processing Times

Please be aware that Visa applications can be a lengthy process and in some cases can take anything up to 3 months.

Academics, Researchers & Students

Participants in scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions, conferences or seminars may travel to the United States on a B-1 visa or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if otherwise qualified. Holders of B-1 visas or those who have entered the United States under the VWP may present a paper at a conference, provided there is no remuneration from a U.S. source other than expenses incidental to the stay. Anyone who will receive an honorarium in addition to incidental expenses may still be eligible for the B-1 visa or travel under the VWP provided all of the following are met:

• The activities will last no longer than nine days at a single institution;
• The institution is a nonprofit research organization or a governmental research organization, or an institution of higher education, or a related or affiliated nonprofit entity;
• Such activities are conducted for the benefit of the institution or entity; and
• The delegate has not accepted such payment or expenses from five such institutions during the previous six month period. If the proposed activities are not exactly as described, an exchange visitor (J-1) or temporary work (H-1) visa will be required.

New Regulations for ‘Visa Waiver’ Countries

International travelers to the United States who are travelling under the Visa Waiver Program (i.e. countries who do not require a pre-arranged visa before travelling to the US) are now subject to enhanced security requirements.

All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Web Site.

To access the application form and for more information - Click Here

Important information to note before application:

Is my country part of the Visa Waiver Program?

The countries currently involved in the ‘Visa Waiver Program’ are below. Please note this list can be updated at any time and therefore we still strongly recommend contacting your local US consulate to verify this.  You can also visit www.travel.state.gov for more information.  

What information do I need to prepare before completing the online application form?

The application form is split into a few sections that include:
·         Applicant Information – this is general contact details of the applicant
·         Passport Information – all up to date passport information inc. number, date and place of issue
·         Travel Information – including airline, flight number and times
·         Address in the US – full address of where you will be staying in the US. We recommend booking your hotel as soon as possible. Click here for meeting hotel options.
·         Additional Questions – Including any illness, criminal record etc

How long does this application take?
The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Is there a fee for this application?
Currently there is no fee to apply for a travel authorization. However, there may be an application fee in the future.        

Letter of Invitation

Upon request, the Annual Meeting Secretariat will send personal invitation letters to participants. This invitation is prepared solely for the purpose of visa applications and is not a commitment on the part of the organisers to provide any financial support.

Please email your request with full name, postal address and passport number to: ics@kenes.com