Visa Information

Effective July 1, 2009, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) emergency or temporary passports must be electronic passports (e-Passports) to be eligible for travel to the United States under the VWP. More information

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): As of January 12, 2009, a valid ESTA approval is required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans.  More information

VWP travelers are required to have a valid authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel, are screened at the port of entry into the United States, and are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.

Currently, 35 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:

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The Alzheimer’s Association recommends the following guidelines for obtaining a visa for entry into the United States:

• Apply early. The visa application process takes three to four months to complete.
• Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary and ICAD 2010 registration confirmation.  Include additional travel itineraries (other than Honolulu, Hawaii) at the time of visa application.
• Provide meeting brochure and letter of invitation.

Requesting a letter of invitation for ICAD 2010

The Alzheimer's Association wants to assist you with the visa application process and give you sufficient time to obtain a temporary visa and attend ICAD 2010. While registering for the conference, please complete the visa form to automatically generate a letter of invitation. You will be able to print your letter directly from your computer.

Please note the following:

• A letter of invitation does not guarantee issuance of a visa. The decision to issue a visa is the sole judgment of the local Embassy or Consulate. The Alzheimer's Association is unable to assist with actual visa processing.
  
• This letter is intended to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend ICAD 2010. It is not an official invitation covering fees and other expenses, nor does it imply any financial support from ICAD 2010 organizers.
  
• The Alzheimer's Association cannot provide any financial support for travel, registration fees or local expenses.
• Advance registration opens in February 2010.
• Attendees residing abroad are encouraged to register for ICAD 2010 by Friday, June 18 to ensure timely receipt of meeting confirmation.

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