For the past few years, international travel to the United States has become significantly more awkward because of the visa process now in place.  The service at individual U.S. embassies and consulates seems to vary considerably.  Although the American Physical Society and the American Academy of Science have brought this problem to the attention of the  U. S. State Department, the slow response of the system appears to continue.  We strongly recommend that international conference participants applying for US visas start the process as soon as possible, even nine months in advance of the conference. We suggest that individuals who are encountering difficulties should contact Joseph Onstott (e-mail onstott@lanl.gov, tel. 01-(505)-665-9124, fax 01-(505)-665-3644).

1. Do you need a visa? Check the State Department web site here.
2. If so, start the process now by contacting the appropriate consulate, and check the Visa Wait Times Several of the Wait Times listed in these pages appear exceedingly optimistic; We urge international conference participants to apply for their required visas as soon as possible.
3. In many cases, a letter of invitation from the conference is helpful in obtaining a U.S. visa. If you would like to request such a letter, please fill out the form below.