Visa Information

Non-US residents may need a visa to enter the United States to attend VSS. If you already have a visa, make sure to check the expiration date. To find out if you need a visa, visit the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for a list of participating countries.

Eligible citizens or nationals, regardless of age, from all VWP countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and have an electronic passport prior to traveling to the United States aboard a U.S. bound carrier. ESTA is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) automated web-based system to determine eligibility to travel without a visa to the United States for tourism or business. VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air, land, or sea carrier bound for the United States. In addition, depending on when VWP travelers’ passports were issued, other passport requirements may apply. See the US Department of State website.

Citizens of Canada do not require a visa to enter the United States for the purposes of visiting, tourism, and temporary business travel purposes. More information can be found on the  Embassy of the United States Ottawa, Canada website. Also visit the DOS Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative for more information about entry and visa requirements for citizens of Canada.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have the authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.

More information can be found on the US Department of Homeland Security website.