New Important Information for Travel visa, passport requirements to the United States
Beginning 12 January 2009, eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain approval prior to traveling to the United States. For citizens or nationals from countries not included in the VWP, visas or travel documents are required.
Under new regulations implemented by Department of Homeland Security, citizens from any of the 34 countries that are currently part of the VWP must register with the United States government online at least three days before departing to the United States. Travelers must provide the same information as on an I-94 card, including a passport number, country of residence, disclosure of communicable diseases and travel plans. The information will remain valid for two years (for trips of up to 90 days at a time); travelers will not need to re-register during that time period. The new system will affect both tourist and business travelers. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP, and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, a VWP traveler is notified of his or her eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.
Citizens of countries eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Also note that when traveling to the United States under the VWP there are changes to previous passport requirements. A passport must be a valid machine readable passport with digital photograph OR have a machine readable zone without digital photograph which has two lines of text as letters, numbers, etc. at the bottom of the information page.
Further information on passports: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/vwp_travelerguide.pdf
Further information on VWP requirements: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries
Form to fill out for VWP authorization: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
As an international visitor planning to attend Trimble Dimensions 2009 User Conference, you should begin the process of applying for a U.S. Visa immediately. Recently, the U.S. has updated its visa policies to increase security for our citizens and visitors. It will likely take you longer to get a visa than it used to, and you will find that a few new security measures have been put into place. For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest consulate or embassy. While individual differences may differ slightly, click here for the basic steps you should follow and what you can expect throughout the process.
The U.S. Department of State has Current Visa Updates available as well as Special Notices on the current situation for processing visas.
When applying for a U.S. Visa it is very important to be very specific about your business agenda by providing a complete itinerary of meetings and locations while in the United States. To complete your Electronic Application form go to DS-1648 Online.
You may wish to include a Letter of Invitation from Trimble, as one of the items you include with your U.S. Visa application. An Official Letter of Invitation may be requested when you register for Trimble Dimensions 2009 by checking the box indicated on the Conference registration form. Be sure to provide your email information on the Conference registration form. The Letter of Invitation will be sent shortly after your registration is processed and payment has been received.
To qualify for a U.S. Visa to attend Trimble Dimensions 2009, applicants must show the following:
- Purpose of trip is to enter the U.S. for business
- Plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and
- Have a residence outside of the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will ensure return abroad at the end of your U.S. visit.
U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program
Visitors to Trimble Dimensions 2009 from the 27 countries currently participating in the Visa Waiver Program may be eligible to visit the U.S. on business or tourism for 90 days without a visa.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
All VWP travelers will be required to have a machine-readable passport (MRP) in order to enter the United States without a visa. For additional details on the Visa Waiver Program, see the State Department’s Visa Waiver Program webpage here.
Canadian Citizens and Landed Immigrants
As of January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens and citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport to enter (or re-enter) the U.S.
Additional information on entry and visa requirements for Canadian Citizens: U.S. Embassy in Ottawa
For more information on obtaining a U.S. Visa to attend Trimble Dimensions 2009, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or visit the Visa Services website.
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