Visa Information

Travel to the US now involves additional advance planning. Beginning the visa process now will help ensure that you have a visa in time for OTC 2007.

To assist you in attending OTC, we offer this information to make the trip easier for you. Most travelers to the US will require a visa and should follow the guidelines under Option A. Travelers originating from one of the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries have different requirements as noted in Option B. See this Traveler Guide (PDF) from the U.S. State Department, or visit http://www.travel.state.gov.

For specific information on the visa requirements and location of US embassies in your country, visit http://www.usembassy.gov/.

New Information for Citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re‑enter the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. Learn more from the US Department of Homeland Security website.

Option A

All travelers to the US require a visa unless from a VWP country. The following guidelines will assist you in obtaining a visa in time for travel to OTC.07:

Invitation Letter

  • This letter outlines the reason for your travel and is used as a supporting document in your visa application.
  • Create and print an invitation letter to assist you in the visa process.
  • Direct any questions about the invitation letter to service@otcnet.org.
  • Please note: this letter does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa, nor does it commit OTC to assist you in obtaining a visa. OTC will not pay any expenses incurred by you. We cannot send the letter to the Embassy or Consulate for you, nor can OTC contact the Embassy or Consulate on your behalf. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry to the US.

US-VISIT Program

  • Travel to the US with a non-immigrant visa, regardless of country of origin, requires registration in the US-VISIT program.
  • Scans of your two index fingers and a digital photograph are needed to match and authenticate travel documents.

Option B

See this Traveler Guide (PDF) from the U.S. State Department, or visit http://www.travel.state.gov for the most current information on requirements for travelers from the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries.

To keep you further informed, OTC will send you updates about programs and events surrounding OTC. Sign up for OTC News to make sure you are included in the latest updates.

Please note that the aforementioned information is a general guideline for travel to the US. Because travel requirements may change, SPE recommends that attendees contact their local embassy to ensure they have proper documentation.

Generate an invitation letter
U.S. Department of State visa information
US-VISIT program