For International Attendees
If you are planning to travel from outside the United States to attend the ATS 2027 International Conference (May 14–19, 2027, in New Orleans, Louisiana), you may require a visa. We strongly encourage all international participants to begin their visa application process as early as possible, as wait times and document requirements vary significantly by country.
Please note: While conference registration will open in mid-January 2027, we firmly recommend that anyone planning to attend begin the visa application process before registration opens, especially if submitting an abstract or traveling from a country with long appointment wait times. Delays in obtaining a visa may prevent attendance.
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) & Visitor Visa
Choose a category below to explore specific visa guidance.
For eligible travelers:
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries* to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.
Apply early. Visa appointment and processing times vary by country, and delays may affect your ability to attend ATS.
Important U.S. Visa Resources
- U.S. Visas
- Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate - Official list of embassies from the U.S. Department of State
- Visa Appointment Wait Times
Apply early. Visa appointment and processing times vary by country, and delays may affect your ability to attend ATS.
Tips for Visa Interview
When attending your visa interview, we recommend bringing the following documents:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.)
- Proof abstract submission confirmation (if applicable)
- The ATS 2027 Letter of Invitation
- A copy of your travel itinerary (if available)
- Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statement, employer support letter, or funding documentation)
- Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., employment verification, academic enrollment, family ties)
If you have submitted an abstract for ATS 2027, please bring your abstract submission confirmation with you to your visa interview. This may strengthen your application by confirming your role as an active contributor to the conference.
Please note that while the American Thoracic Society provides an official invitation letter, we do not have any influence over the visa process or decisions made by U.S. embassies or consulates. All travel and visa arrangements are the sole responsibility of the individual attendee. The ATS cannot expedite appointments, contact a consulate to influence a decision, guarantee approval, or intervene in visa adjudication.We recommend not making non-refundable travel arrangements until the visa is issued.
For eligible travelers:
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries* to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.
Apply early. Visa appointment and processing times vary by country, and delays may affect your ability to attend ATS.
Important U.S. Visa Resources
- U.S. Visas
- Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate - Official list of embassies from the U.S. Department of State
- Visa Appointment Wait Times
Apply early. Visa appointment and processing times vary by country, and delays may affect your ability to attend ATS.
Tips for Visa Interview
When attending your visa interview, we recommend bringing the following documents:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.)
- Proof abstract submission confirmation (if applicable)
- The ATS 2027 Letter of Invitation
- A copy of your travel itinerary (if available)
- Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statement, employer support letter, or funding documentation)
- Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., employment verification, academic enrollment, family ties)
If you have submitted an abstract for ATS 2027, please bring your abstract submission confirmation with you to your visa interview. This may strengthen your application by confirming your role as an active contributor to the conference.
Please note that while the American Thoracic Society provides an official invitation letter, we do not have any influence over the visa process or decisions made by U.S. embassies or consulates. All travel and visa arrangements are the sole responsibility of the individual attendee. The ATS cannot expedite appointments, contact a consulate to influence a decision, guarantee approval, or intervene in visa adjudication.We recommend not making non-refundable travel arrangements until the visa is issued.