Visas for International Travel

Please note that the process of securing a US visa can be lengthy. Apply well in advance of the meeting.

If you are unable to attend due to issues related to securing your visa in time for the WAAC, registration refunds will be considered on a case by case basis.

Visa Preparation

To request a formal letter of invitation from the WAAC organizers for your visa application, please fill out this form.

Information Highlights

A new information collection procedure proposed in 2017 and approved by the U.S. State Department under the auspices of adding an extra layer to protect against terrorists entering the US legally (Form DS-5535), both visitors and would-be immigrants may be asked for extensive background information, including biographical data for the previous fifteen years and social media handles going back as far as five years. Some unofficial reports suggest that if that form is required, it may take an extra two months to secure a visa.

In light of the increased vetting of some visa applicants by U.S. embassies around the world, the Organizers are urging all non-U.S. citizens traveling to WAAC 2023 to inquire about visa requirements in relation to their home countries.

Visa Waiver Program Regulations

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables some citizens or nationals of participating countries [mainly from Europe, a few countries in Asia, and Chile] to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa when they meet all the requirements. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

B-1 Visa

If you have traveled to one of the countries listed below since March 1, 2011, you will need a B-1 visa ($160) to travel to the U.S. (i.e. the VWP no longer applies to you). Learn more about how to apply for a visitor visa on the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel Website.

• Iran

• Iraq

• Libya

• Somalia

• Syria

• Sudan

• Yemen