Apply now for your Visa!
If you need a travel visa, begin the visa application process now! You need to allow a minimum of 6 weeks processing time. Advance travel planning and early visa application are important, since visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. See links below for more information about Visa and passport requirements for travel to the United States.
U.S. to Add New Visa Requirements; Europe to Follow
Beginning 12 January 2009, visitors to the U.S. from visa-waiver countries, most of which are in Europe, will be required to register online and to be screened and authorized for entry. The European Commission is considering a similar system later for visitors from the U.S. and other countries. The new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was ordered by the Department of Homeland Security to identify visitors who might be a threat. Authorization is good for two years or until one's current passport expires. The initial registration can take place any time before the first trip to the U.S. after the system goes into effect.
Register Online for entry to the United States
US Department of State Visa information home page: http://travel.state.gov/visa
A Visas Mantis may be required: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/42212.htm
Estimated wait times for interview appointment and visa processing: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php
Do you need a Visa? See information for temporary visitors to the United States to find out: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html
The National Academies Visa information pages: http://national-academies.org/visas
Letters of Invitation
FOR CONFERENCE CHAIRS, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS, AND AUTHORS: Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas must be listed on a paper or in the program to receive an invitation letter. If you are in the Photomaks Technology 2010 program, and are in need of an Official Invitation Letter from SPIE for visa application purposes, please fill out and send SPIE the Invitation Letter Request Form.
FOR EXHIBITORS: If you are an exhibitor requiring a letter of invitation from SPIE to obtain a travel visa to participate in the Photomask Technology 2010 Exhibition, please fill out and send SPIE the Exhibitor Invitation Letter Request Form.
- Please fill out a separate form for each person requesting a letter.
- Fax completed form to SPIE at 1-360-647-1445 or send electronically to email address on form.
- All letters of invitation will be sent by airmail and by email (as a PDF attachment) unless a courier account number or credit card number with expiration date is provided with the original request.
- Please allow up to 15 business days to process your request.
- SPIE is not able to contact U.S. Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry to attend an SPIE meeting.
NOTE: We recommend that you secure your travel visa before registering for the conference as cancellations after the preregistration cutoff may result in a cancellation fee.
