Entry into the U.S.

Citizens of foreign countries must carry a valid passport and visa to enter the USA. Foreign participants must contact the United States Embassy, Consulate, or Office of Tourism in their home country (place of permanent residence) as soon as possible to determine their particular visa requirements.

The Visa Waiver Pilot Program enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the USA for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a US visa. Currently the following countries are participating in the program: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.

Generally an applicant must have a passport, valid for six months beyond duration of the proposed visit, and one passport-size photograph. It is helpful for an applicant to have a letter of invitation and support if he/she is visiting someone in the USA.

If you need a personal letter of invitation to attend ICASSP-99, please contact Conference Management Services (FAX: (409) 693-6600, email: icassp99@conf-mgmt.com). You should give your complete mailing address, email address, and Fax number. The letter of invitation with an original signature will be mailed to you. Although a copy can also be Faxed, only the original will be acceptable for final granting of a visa. No letters of invitation will be sent by email.

The State Department maintains a Web site, that answers many frequently asked questions about travel to the United States. ICASSP-99 cannot intervene with the U.S. Embassy abroad or with the State Department in Washington, DC, on behalf of any participant. For Visa information you can call +1 (202) 663-1225.

Last Update:  February 4, 1999         Ingo Höntsch