Resources for International Travelers

Visa application

It is necessary for those entering the United States to clear customs and immigration. Visitors from Canada and Mexico must present a passport in order to enter the United States. Visitors from the 38 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program must have an e-Passport (embedded with an electronic chip) in order to skip the visa process. Please be prepared. Non–U.S. citizens should inquire about possible visa requirements from their own country.   

Invitation Letter

Official letters of invitation for travel and/or visa purposes to the Annual Meetings 2025 are available.  If you are traveling to the United States from another country we encourage you to request a letter of invitation.  You must register for the meeting first in order to receive this letter and there is a section to request this during the registration process. If you have additional questions, you may e-mail information@annual-meetings.org after you have completed registration to obtain more details about the information required. 

Please note that AAR & SBL will fully refund registration fees with no penalty to Annual Meetings attendees in good standing whose visa applications are denied or who are otherwise restricted from entering the United States.

Additional travel tips and information

SBL would like to share information intended to help you prepare for your trip to and from the U.S.

For International Travelers: It is best practice to carry the following documents with you when you are traveling in the U.S.:

1. A valid passport
2. Your current U.S. visa
3. Your I-20 form with a valid signature (for international students)
4. An invitation letter from the Annual Meetings 2025 confirming your invitation to participate in the Annual Meeting.
5. Proof of your hotel confirmation and ability to financially support yourself in the United States (such as a letter from your current employer or bank account statement).

More data and sources

1. U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Information Search Authority.
2. U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Information on the search of electronic devices at the border.
3. Electronic Frontier Foundation information on digital privacy at the U.S. Border, with a long version and a pocket guide of guidance for travelers.
4. For LGBT2QIA+ travelers, in particular, gender-nonconforming and trans travelers, resources on flying to and in the U.S. from Advocates 4 Trans Equality
5. U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Information – Top Ten Travel Tips.
6. Information on international travelers’ rights and responsibilities in the U.S. from CLEAR, the free legal assistance program at the City University of New York.
7. International Travel information for Boston.

Although AAR & SBL has sought the best information we could to help Annual Meetings 2025 attendees arrive safely and enjoy their stay, our sharing of these resources in good faith does not constitute an endorsement.  Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.