International Travelers

We strongly advise you to check the current U.S. requirements. Official information on U.S. visa policies and procedures is available from the U.S. Department of State. (If traveling to the U.S. only for the AAAS Annual Meeting, the traveler falls under the short visit category).

Be sure you leave sufficient time to obtain a visitor visa (typically B-1), unless you are a foreign media representative. Please consult your local U.S. embassy or consulate to enter the United States.

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

If you intend to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, visit the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security website to complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) registration applications or renewals. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration date.

VISA TIPS

1. Register for the AAAS Annual Meeting to request a letter of invitation.

AAAS can provide a letter of invitation to the 2025 Annual Meeting upon request. You must must complete meeting registration first. Please send an email to meetings@aaas.org
to request a letter (if you have a role in the meeting such as presenter or exhibitor, please note so we can include that information in the letter).

2. Schedule an appointment with the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate in your country as soon as you receive your visa letter.

Make your appointment early, as wait times can be long in some countries. Please request your letter of invitation before making your appointment and make sure you have your letter available for your interview.

3. Verify fees and requirements.

Learn more about visa fees and the methods of payment accepted by the embassy or consulate. The website also contains information on other requirements such as photographs.

4. Be sure to complete all official documents.

Answer all questions completely. Do not use “NA” or “Not applicable” on your forms. If the answer is in the negative, use “no”, “nil”, or “none.” Do not leave it blank.

5. Show proof of “strong ties” that bind you to your country of residence.

The Consular Officers conducting visa interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of “strong ties” includes proof of business ownership, employment, or
social and family relationships.

6. If you have traveled to the U.S. previously, provide documentation demonstrating that you returned to your country on time (airline boarding pass for example).

Show proof that you returned within the timeframe you stated. For example, use an airline ticket stub/boarding pass that shows your return flight or meeting materials that show you attended a business conference.

7. With your application, include any materials AAAS may have sent you for the Annual Meeting.

Include these with your application to prove the conference is a legitimate business event.