Visa Information

When planning your trip to California for WIRMS2026, please review U.S. visa requirements at the U.S. Department of State VISAs website, as the United States has specific entry rules based on nationality and residency.

Canadian Citizens

Citizens of Canada generally do not need a visa to enter the United States for short visits, although they must carry a valid passport and may be subject to routine inspection.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries 

If you are a citizen of a country participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, provided you have an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) prior to boarding your flight and meet the Visa Waiver Program requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization on-line through ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).  Countries in this program include most EU member states, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and others. For the complete and up-to-date list of participating countries, please see the official U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program page. 

Travelers Requiring a Visa 

If your country is not part of the VWP, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application process may require an interview, biometric data collection, and supporting documentation, including proof of conference registration. Because visa processing times vary widely, we strongly recommend beginning your application as soon as possible. 

View visa appointment and processing wait times.

Visa Letters

Participants who require a letter of invitation from this event should contact the WIRMS conference administration (WIRMS2026@lbl.gov) and provide the following information:

• Your full name (as it appears in your travel documents)

• Your home institution name and address

• Your position at your institution

Visa support letters can be requested as soon as you are registered.