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Obtaining a Visa
If it is necessary for you to obtain a visa to attend this conference, you can find relevant information about the application process on the following website:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_2664.html and
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/BusinessVisa.pdf
Apply Early
Recent changes in U.S. visa laws and regulations have increased the amount of time it can take to get a visa. Stricter security measures require more thorough checks and lengthen the visa application process but ensure the safety of visitors and U.S. citizens alike.
Even with significant improvements being made in speeding up visa processing, it is inevitable that delays will sometimes occur. Processing times will vary. Please contact your nearest embassy or consulate for a current time estimate and planning recommendations.
Letter of Invitation
If you require a letter of invitation from ASME for your visa application, please submit a request for a letter of invitation.
At least one of the following criteria must be met in order to honor the request for a letter of invitation. The requesting party must either:
- Be an author of an accepted abstract and/or paper.
- Be a current ASME member.
- Have paid the advanced registration fee for this conference.
If you have a question, or would like additional information, please contact Gloribeth Carrero at carrerog@asme.org.
Fingerprinting Required to Visit U.S.
Any traveler wanting to visit the US will have to provide fingerprints and be photographed from next month under new security measures to counter terrorism. The US government confirmed last week that from September 30, compulsory finger scanning will come into force, requiring all visitors from visa-waiving countries to place their hands on a scanner.
Travelers will also be digitally photographed. They will be fingerprinted again in the US upon exit and entry to ensure visa compliances and identity verification. Travelers will also be checked against watch lists to search for terrorist connections.
People who have entered the US with valid visa would have experienced the system, but from next month all travelers under the visa waiver program will have fingerprint scans and photographs taken when they arrive.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. These countries include:
| Andora |
Austrailia |
Austria |
| Belgium |
Brunei |
Denmark |
| Finland |
France |
Germany |
| Iceland |
Ireland |
Italy |
| Japan |
Liechtenstein |
Luxembourg |
| Monaco |
Norway |
The Netherlands |
| New Zealand |
Portugal |
San Marino |
| Singapore |
Slovenia |
Spain |
| Sweden |
Switzerland |
United Kingdom |
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The Patriot Act legislated that all Visa Waiver Program travelers must have a machine-readable passport. For more information, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html.
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