As a global scientific association, we are a community of scientists dedicated to advancing plant science. ASPB looks forward to welcoming you to Milwaukee and your participation at Plant Biology 2025.

What will I need to enter the United States?

All international visitors must present a passport or secure document when entering the United States. Most travelers to the United States must hold a valid visa and a passport that is valid six months longer than the intended visit.

How do I know if I need a visa to travel to the United States to attend Plant Biology 2025?

Please use the U.S. Department of State Visa Wizard to determine if you will need a visa.

Access the U.S. Visa Wizard

I need a visa. What do I do?

The visa application process can be lengthy. ASPB urges you to please begin now.

For current requirements specific to your situation, please check with your local U.S. consulate or embassy or the U.S. Department of State visa information website.

You may be required to schedule a visa interview, and wait times for interviews can be significant. See the home page of the U.S. Department of State visa information website for estimated wait times. Please apply as soon as you decide to travel to Plant Biology 2025 and no later than April 1, 2025.

What is the Visa Waiver Program, and how do I know if it applies to me?

If you are a citizen or a national of a designated country, the U.S. Visa Wizard may indicate you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

If you qualify under the Visa Waiver Program and do not need a visa in your passport, you must still have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval and meet all the requirements listed for the Visa Waiver Program.

How do I obtain a Letter of Invitation?

A request for a letter of invitation can be made only after your Plant Biology 2025 registration and payment have been received.

Email your Letter of Invitation request to info@aspb.org.

Please provide:

  • Your full name
  • Your physical mailing address
  • The name of your institution
  • Your passport number and date of issue
  • The country that issued your passport
  • If you are affiliated with a society (e.g., ASPB, Canadian Society of Plant Biologists, Taiwan Society of Plant Biologists, Chinese Society for Plant Biology, etc.), please indicate which one.

Allow up to 72 hours to process your request and prepare a letter of invitation. The letter will be sent to you via email. According to the U.S. State Department, an electronic letter should be acceptable for visa purposes. Should the U.S. Embassy to which you are submitting the visa request insist on a hard copy, we can mail you a letter of invitation. As the visa application process can be lengthy, please register and start this process early. 

ASPB’s most important advice is to apply as soon as you decide to travel to Plant Biology 2025 and no later than April 1, 2025.

Your best resources for advice specific to your situation are your local U.S. consulate or embassy and the U.S. Department of State visa information website.

If you have questions that have not been addressed here, please email info@aspb.org. Allow 72 hours for a response.