Visa Requirements

United States Visa Advisory

The United States has updated its visa policy for increased security. As a result, it now takes longer to obtain a visa. Advance planning by travelers is essential to avoid frustration and disappointment.

• Review your visa status to find out if you need a U.S. visa or a visa renewal.
• Plan to submit your visa application well in advance of your intended departure date.
• Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for current time estimates and recommendations.
• Visit the embassy or consular section website to find important information on how to schedule an interview appointment, finger scanning – if required – and pay fees. An interview is required as a standard part of processing for most visa applicants.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained on the US State Department Visa Waiver Program website. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Currently, 38 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below (taken from the US State Department Visa Waiver Program website):

For more information, refer to the U.S. Government web site.

Health

For up-to-date information about vaccination and testing requirements to enter the United States, please check CDC: International Travel to and from the United States

Passports

A passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the U.S. is required. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make a separate application. Please check with the website, https://www.cbp.gov, to confirm that your passport is compliant. Temporary Passports will likely merit special scrutiny. To avoid complications, check with your local US consular offices, well ahead of your intended departure dates.

Visa Letters

A visa support letter can be provided for authors and registered attendees upon request. To allow sufficient time for processing, please submit your requests for letters of support well in advance of your interview dates.

Visa support letters for authors of accepted papers may be requested here.

Visa support letters for registered attendees may be requested here.

Help Obtaining a Visa

If you require help obtaining a visa, please see the information posted at https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/international-visitors-office

Disclaimer

This information is provided in good faith, but travel regulations do change. The only authoritative source of information is the U.S. Government web site.