Visa Information

Most visitors coming from outside the United States will need a visa to enter the country.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Citizens of some countries may enter the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
If you qualify, Apply for travel approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip.

U.S. Visa Resources
If you need a visa, these U.S. government tools can help you:

• Visa Wizard: Helps you find the correct visa type.
• Wait Times by Country: Shows interview and processing times at U.S. embassies and consulates.

Visa Fees & Requirements

Most applicants must pay a U.S. Visa Application Fee (MRV fee). The exact amount depends on the type of visa and your country of citizenship. Some applicants may also need to pay a reciprocity or issuance fee.

The US $250 Visa Integrity Fee will apply to most non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 business travel.

Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries and Canada will not need to pay the Visa Integrity Fee.
Under current U.S. guidance, travelers may request reimbursement after their visa expires if they do not:

• stay longer than five extra days, and
• work without permission.

The U.S. government has not yet released the detailed process for reimbursement.
Display Week and SID do not collect or refund any visa fees.
For the most accurate information, please check the Visa Fee Table on travel.state.gov.

Visa Invitation Letter

Display Week provides official invitation letters to support your visa application.

• Registration for Display Week opens February 1, 2027, but you can request a letter now to start your visa process early.
• If you have not yet registered, leave the “Registration Number” field blank. Your letter will still be processed.
• You will receive your invitation letter as a PDF by email within 5–7 business days.

👉 Request Your Visa Invitation Letter

Visa Application Tips

Based on guidance from past attendees and the U.S. Department of State:

Apply Early

• Start your visa application as soon as possible, ideally by January 2027.
• Appointment wait times may be very long in some countries.

Gather Required Documents

• Passport valid for at least six months after your travel dates
• Display Week registration if you have already registered
• Visa Invitation Letter from SID
• Proof of financial support and return travel plans
• Flight and hotel information (if available)

Prepare for the Interview

• Book your visa interview as soon as you receive your invitation letter.
• Bring printed Display Week materials — these help show the purpose of your trip.
• Bring documents that show strong ties to your home country (for example: job contract, property documents, business license, or family documents).
• Bring proof of previous U.S. travel and return, if applicable.
• Bring your DS-160 confirmation page and visa photograph receipt.

Optional: Delegation Support

Some U.S. embassies form official delegations for large international events. Joining a delegation may help simplify the visa process.

Travel with an Official SID International Delegation

SID welcomes organized delegations through its International Delegation Program.

Benefits include:

• Faster and easier visa invitation process
• Help with group housing and registration
• A dedicated contact for travel documents

Interested in forming a delegation?

📩 Contact: mramirez@sid.org

Additional Travel Resources

• Hotels & Housing (Connections Housing)
• San Jose Visitor Information https://www.sanjose.org

Airports

• SJC– San Jose Mineta International Airport – 3 miles from downtown San Jose
• SFO – San Francisco International Airport – 36 miles North of San Jose
• OAK– Oakland International Airport – 40 miles South of San Jose

Please allow more time for immigration and customs when entering the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I apply for my visa?

A: As early as possible, ideally by January 2027.

Q: Can I request a letter before registering?

A: Yes. Leave the “Registration Number” blank and we will still issue your letter.

Q: Will a visa letter guarantee entry to the U.S.?

A: No. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate makes the final decision.

Q: How will I receive my visa invitation letter?

A: You will receive it by email as a PDF within 5–7 business days.

Helpful U.S. Government Links

• U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov
• Visa Application (Form DS-160): https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC
• U.S. Embassy & Consulate Directory: USEmbassy.gov

Contact for Visa Assistance

Shrilaxmi Holla

Exhibitor & International Services Manager
📧 shrilaxmi@sid.org
📞 +1 (646) 226-7592

If you need assistance while traveling to or during Display Week: Email mramirez@sid.org or visit the Registration Desk at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center for on-site help.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Display Week and the Society for Information Display (SID) are not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on this information.

Visa and travel regulations can change without notice, and requirements vary by country and individual circumstance.

You should consult the U.S. Department of State or a licensed immigration attorney for advice regarding your specific situation before acting on any information contained herein.