Transportation professionals from more than 70 countries are expected to attend the 2020 TRB Annual Meeting and we hope that you will be among them.

If you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to begin the visa application process now. U.S. regulations require security checks for most visitor visa applications, resulting in a review process that may take three months or more. Attendees will be responsible for their own travel expenses including airfare, ground transportation, hotel, meals and travel insurance.

REGULATION AFFECTING SOME INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS: U.S. legislation mandates that visitors eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding their airline bound for the U.S. This Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is managed by the Department of Homeland Security. Travelers without the ESTA authorization will not be permitted to enter the United States (see www.DHS.gov).

Even if you didn't need a visa before, 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. General information on the U.S. visa application process is available through the National Academies’ International Visitors Office. Please note that citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries generally do not need a U.S. visa for business or tourism visits of less than 90 days, unless they are receiving compensation for services or activities (such as lectures, presentations, etc.).

The International Visitors Office of the National Academy of Sciences offers useful information for international attendees, including tips on how to prepare for your visa interview. If a decision on your visa application has been delayed, complete this questionnaire, and the office will be in contact with you to further assist you in your efforts.

If you need a Letter of Invitation, you can create one by clicking here, providing your contact information, then clicking the “submit” button. The letter then will be displayed and may be printed. Please create your Letter of Invitation well in advance of your travel, since some countries require their citizens to first present an official invitation from TRB before they can obtain a passport.

If you have questions not answered by the links above, please email TRBMeetings@NAS.edu.