The Molecular Life of Diatoms

June 5th-9th 2011

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA USA

U.S Visa Information

This meeting is expected to draw attendees from around the globe. At the bottom of this page, you'll find links compiled to ensure that international attendees are familiar with the very latest U.S. passport and visa regulations. 

Attention International Attendees:

ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ESTA)

Effective September 8, 2010, all Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) registration applications or renewals on or after that date will require a $14.00 fee payment by credit or debit card. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration date. For more information, please visit the ESTA page on the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection website.

Inbound travelers to the United States from Visa Waiver Program* countries may be denied boarding by the airlines if they haven’t complied with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization program. All nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.

ESTA, introduced in January 2009, requires all international travelers from VWP countries to register in an online database. The online travel authorization is easy to use and available in more than 16 languages. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel; however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel.

According to the ESTA Web site, “VWP travelers who have not received an ESTA approval … may be denied boarding. CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] will handle emergencies on a case-by-case basis.” Airlines risk fines if they allow travelers to board without the proper documentation.

International travelers to the United States can go to the ESTA Web site to fill out an application before entering the country by air or sea. If approved, the authorization is good for two years and can be renewed. Travelers no longer have to fill out an I-94W form before each trip. U.S. officials say ESTA will speed up the process for travelers, enable customs officials to screen passengers in advance, and improve security.

Travelers unable to access a US government Web site may register through travel agents or airline Web sites.

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.

*The United States Visa Waiver Program countries include Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Click here for more information about ESTA.

Invitation Letter

International attendees of may need a letter of invitation from the conference organizers in order to obtain a visa to visit the US. Because of increased scrutiny of visa applicants, many potential attendees of scientific meetings in the United States have experienced unusual delays in obtaining travel visas.

If you need a letter of invitation and have not yet requested it, please contact Judith Taylor (judith.taylor@chemistry.gatech.edu) and she will forward it as soon as possible. In order to compose and send your letter, she will need your email address, and your complete mailing address.