Visa Information for International Visitors

U.S. law requires visa applicants to show that the stated purpose of their trip is legitimate and that they wish to attend and/or exhibit at SPESA EXPO 2010. Visa applicants should have in their possession appropriate documentation along with an official VISA INVITATION REQUEST from the SPESA EXPO 2010 organizer to attend the show.

After applicants complete their online registration, they can have the official VISA INVITATION REQUEST e-mailed to them as an attachment on SPESA EXPO 2010 letterhead.

Although it provides no guarantee, printed show materials can offer visa applicants additional support. Examples of printed show materials which may help include: (1) a confirmation of the applicant’s registration for SPESA EXPO 2010, (2) an exhibitor list or (3) other documents from the SPESA EXPO 2010 website (www.spesaexpo.com).

The most compelling evidence for consular and immigration officials to consider, however, is any demonstration of the visa applicant’s adherence to previous visa requirements (frequent visitors should show that they have entered and departed the U.S. previously within the time limits prescribed.) Also, since the final decision to allow entrance into the U.S. lies with the Immigration and Naturalization Officer at the point of entry, copies of all show materials (invitations, letters of support, show materials, etc.) should accompany the visitors as further verification of the purpose of their visit.

USEFUL LINKS

  • Travel to the U.S. — A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States (U.S.) generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa (travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1261.html) if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. travel.state.gov
  • VWP (Visa Waiver Program) — Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
  • ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) — As of January 12, 2009, a valid ESTA approval is required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers fill out en route to the United States. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States. DHS recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans. www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta
  • B-1 (Business Visa) — If you are planning business-related travel to the United States on a temporary basis, it’s important to have information about the type of nonimmigrant visa you will need for travel. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts regarding your plans will determine what type of visa is required under immigration law. The Business Visa website resource (travel.state.gov/pdf/BusinessVisa.pdf) will help you learn about the visa process in general and you will better understand the different steps involved.
  • Visa Wait Times — Advance travel planning and early visa application are important, since visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States go to travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php for information about visa application wait times. We know you would like to estimate how long you will have to wait to get an interview appointment to apply for a visa.
  • Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions — For a complete listing of U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions go to: www.usembassy.gov.