IMPORTANT INFORMATION - NEW VISA RULES BY THE US STATE DEPARTMENT The State Department has announced that, beginning in August 2008, visitors traveling to the U.S. from visa waiver countries (i.e. Europe, Japan, Australia, etc.) will have to register online 3 days in advance of travel. This rule will be mandatory by January 12, 2009. For the official announcement about the new system, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as well as link to a list of visa waiver countries, please click here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html. APPLY FOR YOUR VISA IMMEDIATELY! THE U.S. IS EXPERIENCING DELAYS OF UP TO THREE MONTHS. As part of security procedures, many applications for visas are sent to the State Department for a security review. The Website for the State Department is http://travel.state.gov/visa. You can also visit the "International Visitors Office" Website at http://www.nationalacademies.org/visas. We advise scientists traveling to the United States to apply for a visa as early as possible (at least three months before visa is needed). Please check with your local U.S. consulate or embassy to find out the earliest that you may apply for a visa by clicking on the following URL: http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html. Because of the number of visas being processed and the need to be thorough with the reviews, this can take as long 8 weeks, especially for those countries that are on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Attendees from these countries should start the application process at least 6 months in advance of the meeting. Registration refunds will not be issued after March 20th for denied visas. To assist you with the Visa application process: Ask for a letter of invitation to attend at least four (4) months prior to the meeting (see below for further information). Apply for visa at least three (3) months in advance. For countries that are on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, the State Department suggests applying for a visa six (6) to eight (8) months in advance. Provide your entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States , at the time of visa application. If completion of travel plans is contingent upon early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application. Provide proof of scientific status. Provide meeting brochure and letter of invitation. Provide evidence that you are intending to return to your country of residence. This includes such things as: family ties in current country of residence property ownership bank account an employment contract or statement from employer showing that position will continue after the dates of the meeting Requirements vary by passport-issuing country and citizenship (not merely residency).