VISA and USA Travel Information

It is the personal responsibility of each delegate to ensure that they have any necessary Visas (including transit visas, if relevant) and appropriate entry documentation and permission prior to travelling to the USA.

AIDSImpact is unable to assist with the actual visa processing. Please visit the websites below for more policy information.

US Department of State - Visa Waiver Program (VWP) http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

Electronic System for for Travel Authorization (ESTA) https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html

U.S. Department of State - Visa Policy & Procedures http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Department of Homeland Security - Crossing U.S. Borders http://www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/travelers.shtm

US visa requirements

Visa waiver programme

1. UK, 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, and Switzerland are all exempt from needing to apply for a US visa.
2. IF passport has an electronic chip, stay in the US is less than 90 days, holding a return ticket, on board an aircraft that has agreed to participate in the programme and has authorization to travel under ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). An online form can be filled out from this website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Countries not covered by the Visa Waiver Programme

1. An additional interview will usually be required at the US embassy at the country of origin as well as the online application process.
2. Apply online: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.

1. Business Visas (B – 1) – ensure that you select the correct visa category which is Business/Conference Visitor (B1), list all educational institutions, upload a digital photo.
2. Gather all of the required documents: confirmation page of online application, interview confirmation letter (if applicable), passport, evidence of intended business activities, and evidence for sufficient funds for stay in the US and for residence to which the applicant will return.
3. Issuance fee: $140 for approved visa to be issued.

Countries without US embassies

1. Iran (embassy services are available in Vienna, Ankara and Abu Dhabi. Consulate services are available in Dubai, Frankfurt and Naples).
2. North Korea (no specific post has been named but applications can be processed at Beijing as it is the most convenient location).

Countries with visa services closed

1. Belarus, Minsk (suggested posts at Moscow, St Petersburg, Warsaw and Kyiv).
2. Eritrea, Asmara
3. Guinea – Bissau, Bissau (suggested post at Lisbon, Portugal).

Countries with limited visa services (business visas should still be considered unless otherwise stated)

1. Montenegro, Podgorica
2. Netherlands Antilles, Curacao
3. Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) – considered if referred by other US government entities.
4. Sudan, Khartoum – only certain official business programmes.
5. Yemen, Sana’a – extremely limited due to security concerns and severe delays in receiving an interview date.

The AIDSImpact paid registration receipt will act as an invitation letter. This registration receipt does not constitute any financial assistance during your visit to the U.S. or to the AIDSImpact Conference. AIDSImpact cannot provide any financial support including, but not limited to, travel, hotel fees, local expenses or insurance.  We strongly advise all travellers to the USA to ensure they meet all entry requirements and to ensure that they have obtained adequate travel insurance against all foreseeable risks generally, and in respect of medical insurance specifically.

The paid registration receipt or invitation letter does not guarantee the issuance of a visa, nor that a delegate will be admitted to the USA on arrival. The decision to issue a visa is in the sole judgment of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and the decision to admit to the USA is in the sole judgement of the US Immigration officials.  AIDSImpact accepts no responsibility whatever for the decision of any authority to refuse a visa or to refuse admission to the USA. 

Delegates who are unable to attend for any reason, including the refusal of a visa or admission, will not be entitled to a reduction in, or refund of, the fee for the conference, or of any costs or expenses incurred in relation to such attendance.