International Travel to ISDC 2027
If you plan to attend ISDC 2027 and you require a visa for travel to the United States, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with ample time for processing, typically as much as 2-3 months pre-pandemic (but since the pandemic it could take much longer). Advance travel planning, early visa application, and providing a clear explanation that you are traveling to the U.S. to attend a conference are very important. We strongly suggest that you submit your formal application to U.S. authorities as early as possible in advance of the date of anticipated travel. The earlier, the better.
What is a Visa?
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), tourism, pleasure or visiting (visa category B-2), or a combination of both. Please visit this page for more information about the visa application process and U.S. Department of State requirements for travel to the United States.
The NSS will provide an official letter of invitation to the event upon the request of a prospective attendee who requires a visa to travel to the United States. This letter and a copy of event materials (such as an event announcement, call for papers) should be presented along with the required documentation to the U.S. consular officials as part of the formal application process.
The NSS cannot directly contact the U.S. Department of State, consular offices, or embassies on behalf of individuals applying for visas.
How Can I Use a Visa to Enter the United States?
Having a U.S. visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport, or land border crossing, and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the United States. While having a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, it does indicate a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose. DHS/CBP inspectors, guardians of the nation’s borders, are responsible for admission of travelers to the United States, for a specified status and period of time. DHS also has responsibility for any immigration matters you may encounter while present in the United States.
More information can be found at the State Department's FAQ, here.
Do I Need a Visa?
Please study the U.S. Department of State website (click here) to learn more about visas. Access the “visa-wizard” here for help determining which visa you need.
How to Apply for a Visa
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the U.S. State Department website where you will apply here.
Applying for a visa requires completing the visa application, collecting the necessary documentation and an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate must be in the country where you live. As part of the documentation required, accommodations in the U.S. must be already booked (with arrival and departure dates) before the visa interview. Immigration officials will verify the dates and the location.
Invitation Letters from the National Space Society
You may need an official invitation letter before applying for a visa to attend the International Space Development Conference (ISDC). Visitors from outside the United States are required to obtain this letter from the National Space Society (NSS) if a visa is needed for entry.
An invitation letter confirms your participation in the ISDC and can be included in your visa application at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. We recommend applying for your visa as soon as possible, as processing times can sometimes take longer than expected.
If you are attending in connection with an NSS space contest, such as the Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest or the Live in a Healthy Space Design Competition, please click here to request your invitation letter.
For all other ISDC attendees, please click here to request a general invitation letter.