International travel

International travel requirements

• For visitors in need of a visa

  If you need a visa, you will need to apply for the appropriate visitor visa. It is normally a B-1 visa (attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, related to a business visit.)

  You can check the current visa categories and requirements at the U.S. Department of State.

  Visa visitors must have a machine-readable passport and schedule an in-person interview with the U.S. State Department consulate or embassy. The application process varies by location. Please contact your local consulate or embassy for the most accurate information.

  It can take up to four months to get an interview date. Please contact your nearest consulate as soon as possible to request an interview date.

• If your visa application is denied

  If your visa application is denied, please inform ASCE in writing that you wish to cancel your registration. You should attach a copy of your visa denial.

  A full refund will be issued if the cancellation notice is received before the cancellation deadline. No refunds will be made for cancellation requests received after the deadline.

  Please file your visa paperwork as far in advance as possible to be eligible for a refund.

  You can send cancellation requests to [email protected] or by fax to +1 866-902-5593.

  *ASCE cannot intervene on behalf of the invitees with the Embassy or U.S. Consulate via fax, phone, surface mail, or email. The U.S. Department of State provides information on traveling to the United States regarding passports, international travel and visas.

• Letter of invitation

  Registration must be completed and paid in full before a letter of invitation may be requested. A copy of your registration payment receipt must accompany your request.

  Please be ready to provide your complete official name, date of birth, physical address, email address, and passport number (if available). If any additional information is needed for the letter issuance, you will be notified by email in response to the submitted request.

  If you have any questions about letters of invitation, please contact [email protected].

  Request a letter of invitation

  The letter of invitation will ONLY be sent by email to the email address that was provided during the submission process. The letter of invitation cannot be emailed or sent to the U.S. consulate or embassy.

• Visa Waiver Program and ETSA

  Travelers from VWP countries must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will handle emergencies on a case-by-case basis.

  ESTA requires all international travelers from VWP countries to register in an online database. Travelers from VWP countries must complete an application on the ESTA website.

  Travelers are not required to complete an I-94W form before each trip. The ESTA requirement does not affect U.S. citizens returning from overseas, people from VWP countries traveling on a valid U.S. Visa, or travelers from non-VWP nations.