UNITED STATES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Since September 11, 2001, applicants have been subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. The time frames for visa processing today are difficult to predict with accuracy for any individual applicant, and could vary significantly by country. Participants are encouraged to check their visa status, and if a visa is needed apply for a visa as early as possible, but not later than three months in advance of the travel date. An interview will be required at a U.S. embassy or consulate, as part of the visa application process. All international visitors who are traveling on the Visa Waiver Program are required to register in advance with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This is a new program implemented by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS BY CITIZENSHIP

...Canada –Canadian citizens travelling by air to,  the United States must present one of the following valid documents:

• A passport; or
• A NEXUS card when used at kiosks in participating airports.

This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children. As of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens over the age of 15 traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), will be required to present a valid passport, Nexus, Fast card or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

...China - passport and visa required.

...Japan - passport required - no visa required if stay is less than 90 days, and the traveler meets the conditions to travel under the visa waiver program.

...Republic of Korea - passport required - no visa required if stay is less than 90 days, and the traveler meets the conditions to travel under the visa waiver program.

...Russian Federation - passport and visa required.

...Other countries – will need a passport and visa, unless the traveler is a citizen from one of the visa waiver program countries.

PASSPORTS

Must be current – make sure that your travel will be completed six months before the listed passport expiration date. If you do not have a current passport, you should contact your Ministry of Foreign Affairs for application materials. Please also read carefully the information regarding Machine Readable Passports for visa waiver travelers eligible to enter the United States without a visa.

VISAS

See http://travel.state.gov for visa guidance. Applicants should apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. It is recommended that applicants include the following with their application background materials:

- copy of the Conference announcement;
- copy of the Conference registration acknowledgment or receipt of payment; and
- curriculum vita.

Visa applicants should also refer to the Embassy Consular Section web site to determine visa processing time frames and instructions, learn about interview scheduling, and find out if there are any additional documentation items required.

All international visitors who are traveling on the Visa Waiver Program are required to register in advance with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This is a new program implemented by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS - Ministers and Delegations

Heads of government Ministers, and other government officials generally do not require interviews when applying for visas, if their travel is official. However, a consular officer can request an interview. Ministers, delegates, and government officials supporting the delegation must present a diplomatic note from their governments requesting a visa for the purpose of the meeting. There is no fee for these visas. Travelers should apply as soon as possible to the U.S. Embassy in their country of residence.

INVITATION LETTERS

Those in need of official letters of invitation from the U.S. Government should send their

- full name
- date of birth
- nationality
- passport number, and
- city of visa interview

to Dr. Chela Zabin, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, at zabinc@si.edu. Please title your message “Marine Bioinvasions Conference Invitation Letter” to ensure expeditious handling.

INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED:

FOR CONSULAR INTRANET INFO: Karla Gentile & Geria Battle
EVENT: Sixth International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions
DATE: August 24-27, 2009
PLACE: Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.
SPONSOR: The meeting is hosted by Portland State University.  Logistical support is provided by the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES), International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), Portland State University, The National Sea Grant College Program and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission of Portland, Oregon.
WEBSITE: www.clr.pdx.edu/mbic/
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the meeting is to examine marine bioinvasion vectors, patterns, distribution, ecological and evolutionary consequences, economic impacts, biosecurity approaches, and invasion impacts on biodiversity.
APRX. # OF FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS: 100
POINT OF CONTACT AT DOS: Elizabeth Tirpak (OES/OA, 202-647-0238)