US Visa Advisory

The US has updated its visa policies to increase security. It will likely take you longer to get a visa than it used to, and you will find that a few new security measures have been put into place. For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest US Consulate or Embassy. It is critical that you begin this process as early as possible to avoid frustration and disappointment.

First begin by reviewing your visa status to find out if you need a US visa or Visa renewal then submit your visa application well in advance of your intended departure date.  Contact your nearest US Embassy or consulate for the current time estimates and specific recommendations.  Visit the Embassy or consular section website to find important information on how to schedule an appointment and pay fees.  An interview is required as a standard part of processing for most visa applications.  Plan on having finger scans as part of the visa application process.  Two Index-finger scans are normally collected by the consular officer at the visa interview window, in some countries; they may be collected prior to the actual visa interview. 

A visa support letter can be provided for authors and registered attendees which have paid in full.  To obtain this information please review the information and instructions on the APEC website here: http://www.apec-conf.org/content/view/60/87/

Citizens of certain countries, traveling for visitor visa purposes for 90 days or less, and who meet all the requirements, can travel to the United States for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program.

Currently, the 27 countries, shown below, participate in the Visa Waiver Program. (Certain citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa to visit the US). It is best to check to verify given your specific circumstances.

Since October 2004, visa waiver travelers from ALL VWP countries must present a machine -readable passport at the U.S. port of entry. Machine-readable passports issued since June 2005 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or integrated chip with information from the data page and be machine readable.

A passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States is required. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make a separate application.

Note that this information is given in good faith, as a service to our foreign guests, be advised that the regulations may change.  Please be advised that the only authoritative sources of information are the US Government websites below, it is the attendee's responsibility to verify this information with official resources.

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1264.html

  

Click here to request a Letter of Invitation to Attend APEC 2009 in Support of your Visa Application.