A Special Welcome to Our International Participants
Note: International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization using the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) process.
Applications must be effected at least seventy two hours before travel and you must wait for approval.
Click here for forms and more information.
Attendee and Exhibitor Visa Information for International Visitors
The U.S. government requires residents of some countries to obtain a Visa before entering the U.S. Changes to the Visa application process have increased the length of time required to receive your Visa. The information below provides important links and details that help to make the process easier.
Helpful Hints
- Visit the U.S. Department of State web site here to review for changes to the Visa process that may affect you.
- Apply early for your Visa. Download Visa forms here.
- Check your passport for expiration date.
- Register online for ENKWSA before obtaining your Visa.
- Register online for ENKWSA before requesting a Letter of Invitation.
- Don’t forget to fill out your ESTA form, if you qualify for the visa waiver program. Click here to download forms.
Visa Application Process
Changes to the Visa policy and procedures are expected to increase the amount of time it takes to obtain a Visa. It is VERY important to apply for your Visa early. We recommend that you start the Visa application process as soon as possible. The U.S. Department of State provides the approximate wait times on its web site.
Requesting a Letter of Invitation from ENKWSA for Your Visa Application
Important Facts:
- Only Letter of Invitation requests submitted online will be processed.
- A Letter of Invitation covers one individual only. If additional show participants from a company require Letters of Invitation, separate requests must be submitted online.
- The show participant must complete online registration for ENKWSA before a Letter of Invitation request can be submitted.
- Only Letter of Invitation requests meeting ENKWSA's eligibility requirements will be processed.
- Obtaining a Letter of Invitation for ENKWSA does not necessarily guarantee approval of a Visa. The letter is merely supplementary information that helps explain a Visa applicant's personal situation in determining eligibility.
Approved registrants will receive a confirmation letter with a link that allows the registrant to request a letter of invitation.
You must include:
Participant's e-mail address
Participant's date of birth
Participant's job title
Participant's passport number and/or ID Number
City of U.S. Consulate for participant's interview
Delivery Methods:
- E-Mail Only (no charge). Your Letter of Invitation will automatically be generated on your computer screen, and you may print the letter from your computer. This letter is accepted as an original by most local U.S. Embassy personnel for the Visa application.
- E-Mail + Hard Copy via FedEx Delivery ($100 fee). Individuals who require an official hard copy of the Letter of Invitation may request to have the Letter of Invitation sent via FedEx. If Letters of Invitation for more than one participant are sent in the same package, only one delivery fee will be charged. E-Mail [email protected] for instructions before you submit your request for Letters of Invitation. Please allow (5) business days for delivery.
Deadlines:
The last day a hard copy of an approved Letter of Invitation will be sent via FedEx is January 23, 2012.
From January 24 - January 29, 2012, approved online requests for Letters of Invitation will be sent via e-mail only.
ENKWSA's Visa/Letter of Invitation Web sites will close on January 30, 2012.
International Media
Members of the foreign press, radio, film or other information media must have a Media (I) Visa. Visit the U.S. Department of State Web site here for more information.
Visa Interviews
A personal appearance interview is required as a standard part of this process. This can increase the processing time. It is expected fewer waivers will be granted for the interview portion of the process. WSA cannot assist you with the interview process, nor can anyone representing WSA call the embassy or consulate on your behalf to provide support for granting a Visa. If you are denied a visitor Visa, you may reapply if there is new evidence to overcome the basis for the refusal. In the absence of new evidence, consular officers are not required to re-examine such cases.
How to Find the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Your Country
Find the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country here.
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. Not all countries participate in the VWP. Visit the U.S. Department of State Web site here for VWP requirements and a complete list of participating countries.
Members of the foreign press, radio, film or other information media must have a Media (I) Visa and cannot travel to the U.S. using the Visa Waiver Program. Visit the U.S. Department of State Web site here for more information.
