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More than 60,000 medical and science professionals from around the globe are expected to attend RSNA 2009, November 29 to December 4, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. With more than 300 refresher courses, the RSNA annual meeting offers an unparalleled educational opportunity. In addition, more than 700 technical exhibitors will display state-of-the-art technology and the latest radiology products and services.

A trip to the United States may require an additional degree of planning. This page provides international meeting attendees the essential information for planning a trip to the U.S.:

• General Meeting Information
• Invitation Letter
• Visa Waiver Program — new information!
• US-Visit
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
• Tips for Successful Visa Applications
• Useful Visa and Travel Web sites
• H1N1 Flu Virus

General Meeting Information

95th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
November 29-December 4, 2009
McCormick Place Convention Center
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60616 USA
Website: http://www.mccormickplace.com/

Invitation Letter

If you must apply for a temporary non-immigrant visa to attend RSNA's 95th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, you are advised to apply as soon as travel to the United States is contemplated and not later than 3-4 months in advance. APPLY EARLY! RSNA offers an official letter of invitation for RSNA 2009 attendees. The visa letter of invitation, though not required for the visa application, can assist as a supporting document. Present this letter of invitation from RSNA to the consular officer during the visa interview. This letter by no means guarantees admittance into the U.S., but can provide compelling evidence for immigration officials to consider. Please note that RSNA cannot intervene with either U.S. embassies abroad or with the U.S. State Department on behalf of any participant. The deadline has passed to request a personalized mailed invitation letter — email invite@rsna.org for details.

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. For more information go to travel.state.gov/visa and click Visa Waiver program.

Travel Approval Required for Visa Waiver Countries

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP. ESTA is a web-based system, initially launched in August 2008, which determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the VWP prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the United States. To date, more than 1.2 million ESTA applications have been received, and more than 99.6 percent of applicants have been approved, most within seconds. Travelers without an approved ESTA are advised, however, that they may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry. Visitors may apply for travel authorization via the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

US-VISIT

US-VISIT currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States. This includes visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. Visitors are photographed and fingerprinted upon arrival. In 2008 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began collecting additional fingerprints from international visitors arriving at O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The change is part of the department's upgrade from two- to 10-fingerprint collection to enhance security and facilitate legitimate travel by more accurately and efficiently establishing and verifying visitors' identities. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/us-visit.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

Implemented in 2007, the WHTI requires all persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. For more information go to travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Tips for Successful Visa Applications

• Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer (available in April).
• When possible, provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status, society membership and/or meeting registration.
• Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they intend to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of binding or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in the visitor's home country.
• Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.
• All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits under the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Useful Visa and Travel Websites