Travel Visa
If you are travelling to the conference from outside the United States, you may need a visa to enter the country. Below is some information on how to obtain a travel visa to the United States. Please note that this information is as of April 2011 and is subject to change. Please verify with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country and the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Information Website for the latest information.
Do I need a visa?
Before traveling to the United States, citizens of most foreign countries must obtain a “nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay.”
- To see if you need a travel visa to enter the United States, visit the U.S. State Department on Travel website.
- To see if your country is exempt from requiring a visa, check the Visa Waiver Program to see if you meet the requirements. Even if you do not need a visa, you’ll need to have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval. ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. To find out more, visit the Electronic System for Travel Authorization website.
What type of visa do I need to attend the 2nd World Conference on Women’s Shelters?
Unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver, you will need a Non-Immigrant Business Visitor’s Visa (B-1).
How do I obtain a visa?
In order to obtain a B-1 Visitor’s Visa, you will need to apply through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your country (your place of permanent residence). This application process will involve an interview and a digital fingerprint scan. It is important to apply as far in advance of your trip as possible because this process can take time. During the interview, you will be asked to prove the following:
- The purpose of your trip is for business.
- You intend to remain in the United States for only a specific, limited time.
- You have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the United States.
- You have both residence and binding ties in your home country (outside the United States) to which you will return after your visit.
What kind of documentation do I need to apply for a visa?
All applicants for a Visitor’s Visa will need to submit the following:
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160. Available at the DS-160 webpage.
- A valid passport for travel to the United States that is valid at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. In other words, your passport cannot expire before September 1, 2012.
- One 2x2 inch photograph. See the required photo format explained in Photograph Requirements.
Some countries may have additional requirements. Contact your U.S. Embassy or Consulate directly to learn about any additional documentation you may need.
Will the conference organizer provide me with an invitation letter?
For many delegates, the conference registration confirmation will be sufficient for applying for your Visitor’s Visa. However, if you should need an invitation letter (as dictated by your U.S. Embassy or Consulate) please contact the conference organizers and an official letter will be provided to you.
Where can I get more information about visas?
For more information on visas, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Information website. Some of the rules and regulations for obtaining a visa are country specific. Refer to the Embassy Consular Section website to determine visa processing timeframes and instructions, learn about interview scheduling, and find out if any additional documentation items are required. Learn more by contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some citizens do not need to apply for a visa, if they meet the criteria of the Visa Waiver Program.
Will the conference organization help me apply for a visa?
The conference organizers are not able to assist with the visa application process. We suggest you contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction in your country of residence for information and assistance.
How much will a visa cost?
Please check the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Information website for the latest information about costs.
- Visa application processing fee. In general, the visa application processing fee for a B-1 Visa is $140. However, if you are traveling for other reasons (and the conference is only a part of your visit) or if you have special circumstances (you are a diplomat, traveling for charity purposes, etc.) the fees may vary or be waived. This fee is non-refundable. For a full fee schedule, visit this website. When you go to your visa interview, you will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid.
- Visa issuance fee. Additionally, if the visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and the fee amount.
- Again, check with U.S. Department of State’s Travel Information website as well as the Embassy Consular Section website to see if there are additional fees.
Will the conference organization help pay for my visa application?
The conference organization cannot help pay for your visa application. However, exceptions will be made for those who receive a scholarship to attend the conference. If you receive a scholarship, the cost of your visa will be covered.
Will my registration cost be refunded if my visa application is denied?
Yes. If you are unable to attend the conference because your visa was denied, your registration fee will be refunded in full upon receipt of verification of this denial (such as the denial letter you receive from the consulate or embassy). Unfortunately, the conference cannot refund your visa application fees since those fees are paid directly to the U.S. government. Note that you can reapply for a visa if your first visa application is denied. The World Conference Team encourages you to familiarize yourself with the process beforehand and, if denied, to apply again. For more information on visa denials, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.
