Print This Page

Travel & Visas

Passport and visa requirements for travel to the U.S. have changed. For the most current information visit travel.state.gov.

Make Your Plans Early

All travelers to the United States must present either a machine-readable passport or a passport with a visa. The visa application process can take as long as three months, so we urge you to make your travel plans early. If you are coming from a Visa Waiver Program country and do not have a machine-readable passport, you should apply for a new passport now. Travelers from other nations should apply for a non-immigrant visa, such as a B1 visa, as soon as possible.

Visa Waiver Program Participants

If you are traveling to NPE2009 from a Visa Waiver Program country, please check that your passport meets new machine-readable or e-passport requirements. Also make sure you complete your ESTA™ application as soon as you’ve made travel plans. More details can be found at www.cbp.gov/esta.

Download the Requirements for Traveling Without a Visa. (PDF)

The Visa Application Process

If you will need a visa, please plan your travel at least three months in advance of NPE2009.
(Check the estimated wait time for a visa interview in your country).

1. Register for NPE2009


2. Request a Letter of Invitation (and a Letter of Support if you have attended NPE before) as soon as possible by sending an e-mail to visaletter@npe.org.


3. Schedule a visa appointment with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as you receive your letter of invitation—or before, if interview wait times are long.


4. Consider joining an official U.S. Commercial Service delegation from your country as this could improve your chances of receiving a visa. Contact the U.S. Commercial Service for more information or go to Join a Delegation.


5. Verify visa fees and requirements and methods of payment.


6. Complete an online visa application. Be sure to complete ALL official documents.


7. Prepare a file of documents to bring to your visa interview.

More information on obtaining a U.S. visa. (PDF)

Letter of Invitation

Once you have registered, we can send you a Letter of Invitation to include with your visa application.
If you have attended NPE in the past, we will be happy to also send a Letter of Support for your visa application addressed to the US Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Send your request to visaletter@npe.org with “attendee Letter of Invitation needed” or “attendee Letter of Support needed” in the subject line; or call+1.202.974.5235. Provide your full name, company name and address, registration confirmation number, and the years you’ve attended NPE in the past (if applicable). Allow at least three weeks to receive your letter(s) in the mail.

Visa Interviews

Visa interviews typically last no more than five minutes, and the questions are related to confirming your travel plans and ties to your home country. During your interview, you must demonstrate that you are traveling to the U.S. on legitimate business and for a temporary visit—not as an immigrant. It is very important that you answer all of the visa officer’s questions fully and truthfully.

Download the Visa Interview Tips (PDF).