APSA is pleased to offer international attendee resources on this page. You will find information on international attendance and COVID-19, as well as visa information, invitation letter requests, and more.
COVID-19
With the constantly evolving Delta variant and after consultations with our health and safety partner and association leadership, we have decided to update APSA’s attendance policy to require that anyone wishing to attend the APSA Annual Meeting in-person must provide proof of having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated means 14 days have passed since your final dose.
Attendees will only be admitted to APSA’s Annual Meeting with proof of having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
International proof of vaccination can also be uploaded through the portal by Friday, September 24, and follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidance of acceptable vaccines. If you have any questions regarding the WHO vaccinations allowed to attend APSA or questions about your vaccination documents, please email ambassador@safexpo.org. If you plan to show international proof of vaccination onsite, please email ambassador@safeexpo.org to confirm it meets the aforementioned criteria.
We recognize there are global vaccine inequities and that our policy may unfortunately affect the ability of some of our international attendees to attend the event. Given the changing environment with Delta, this policy was indicated by our experienced health and safety partner as the safest way for us to hold the event in Seattle. Additionally, Washington State and the CDC do not recommend travel until you are fully vaccinated.
If you are unable to participate in-person due to this policy, we do offer the opportunity for participants to pre-record their presentations this year. To participate in this opportunity, you can sign up here. The pre-recording presentations will be featured on the virtual platform and will have a chatbox for feedback from panelists and other attendees. These presentations will be available before, during, and after the event for up to six months. We can adjust your registration to an virtual registration rate and refund the difference.
Note: Currently, the U.S. requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test for all air passengers arriving from outside the United States, including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, even if fully vaccinated. International arrivals must be tested no more than three days before their departure and will need to present the documentation of a negative test result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.
Read more from the CDC>>>
Read the Full Order Requiring a Negative COVID-19 Test>>
DOS Guidelines on COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and NIEs: Currently, entry to the U.S. has been suspended to travelers coming from China, Iran, the UK, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, India, and the entire Schengen area to protect public health. This does not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other groups outlined on the webpage. However, certain travelers, including academics, can apply for a National Interest Exception to allow them to travel to the U.S. Unless these restrictions are lifted, attendees from one of these 33 countries will need a NIE from their nearest embassy and consulate. The process may take time, so we recommend starting the process early. We are happy to provide an invitation letter for the NIE. To request one, please complete this form>>
(Source: Centers of Disease Control; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html)
Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other methods of transport.
Be sure to check your own country’s policies for your return.
COVID-19 Country Specific Information (U.S. State Department)
Please note that this is general information provided by APSA, and because this information may change, it is recommended that you contact your local embassy to ensure documentation is in order.
Applying for a Visa
Business (B-1) visas are used for attending education events. APSA recommends starting this process as soon as possible to ensure everything is in order.
Business Visa Center
Business (B-1) Visas
Check Visa Wait Times
Visa Wizard
Locate a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Frequently Asked Questions on Business Visas
Questions on visas can be sent to businessvisa@state.gov or by phone at (202) 485-7675 on Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Visa Waiver Programs
If you are attending from a Visa Waiver Country, you must meet all the requirements listed on the State Department’s page, and you must ensure your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is up to date and have an e-passport ready to use.
Visa Waiver Program Information
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
e-Passports
FAQs on the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA
Other Resources
Annual Meeting Invitation Letter
Invitation letters can be provided to all participants on the official program. Complete this request form for an official Annual Meeting invitation letter.
Access Your Registration Receipt
Registration receipts are emailed at time of purchase, but can be accessed again under your My APSA account. Receipts can be found under “Recent Orders” by clicking the “View” icon next to the appropriate receipt.
Online Program
View the online program.by