The Geoinformatics 2009 local organization advises anyone who may need a visa for the USA to attend Geoinformatics 2009 to apply early. Visa applicants must apply at least 3 months in advance of the conference. Security-related policies have greatly increased the processing time for visa applications. U.S. consular officers now usually interview applicants as part of the application process.

Request an invitation letter:

First please download the Visa Invitation Letter Request Form and completely fill the form. Then send the form back to info@geoinformatics2009.org

General Visa information:

The National Academies maintain a Web site about visa-related issues for non-US citizens: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas

Visit: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html for FAQ.

The US Department of State maintains a Web site about visa policy and procedures:
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for visitors traveling to the US:
http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0021.shtm

Visas for students and exchange visitors in the US:
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/studying.html

The US Department of State has required citizens from VWP countries to obtain visas if they do not have machine-readable passports and they wish to visit the US.

Visa informatoin for visitors from China:
http://chinese.usembassy-china.org.cn/niv_info2.html