The TRB 88th Annual Meeting, scheduled for January 11-15, 2009, in Washington, DC, will offer some 600 sessions and meetings showcasing transportation research from around the world. More than 10,500 delegates from more than 75 countries are expected to attend and participate.

Applying for Your Visa to Enter the United States
If you plan to attend the upcoming TRB Annual 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.

NEW REGULATION AFFECTING SOME FOREIGN TRAVELERS: Recently-passed 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 new 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. For futher details, please click http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1212501117599.shtm

Even if you didn't need a visa for a previous TRB Annual Meeting, 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.).

Since U.S. Embassies require visa applicants to provide an original letter of invitation (faxes and photocopies not accepted), please contact TRB with your request as soon as possible to ensure that your letter arrives in your home country well in advance. Moreover, some countries require their citizens to first present an official invitation from TRB before they can obtain a passport from their government, and then apply for a U.S. entry visa.

To expedite your receipt of a letter of invitation, you may specify one of three air courier services you wish TRB to use on the request form, along with your account number to be charged for this special service.

Requesting a Letter of Invitation from TRB
To request a letter of invitation to attend the TRB Annual Meeting, please click here and provide the information requested. Thank you for your interest in attending the TRB Annual Meeting, and we look forward to the prospect of your participation.

International Participants Reception
International attendees at the Annual Meeting are invited to attend the International Participants Reception and to get involved in TRB committee activities, Sunday, January 11, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., in the Hilton Washington Hotel. The reception is sponsored by the TRB International Activities Committee and supported by SemMaterials, L.P.