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- AAO 2017 /
- Hotels & Travel /
- International Attendees
- Letter of Invitation

International Attendees
Check your travel documents and passports to ensure that they are up-to-date for AAO 2017 in New Orleans.

Letter of Invitation

To assist with your visitor visa application, the Academy provides a letter of invitation to AAO 2017.

Use the online letter generator now.

Visas

Most international attendees will require a visitor visa to enter the United States. Apply early for scientific conferences, visa applications should be made no later than 90 days prior to travel.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business, for 90 days or less, without obtaining a nonimmigrant visa. For a list of participating countries and additional information about the program visit the U.S. Department of State's Visa Waiver Program web page.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP. ESTA is not a visa. VWP travelers must complete an ESTA application and receive notification of his or her acceptance prior to their visit.

Obtain an ESTA now.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens or nationals of Canada and Bermuda are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

While you generally do not need visas to conduct temporary business in the U.S., some business trips may require a visa. Find specific travel information for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens or nationals of Mexico are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

You are required to present a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"), and a valid passport, in order to enter the U.S. Visit the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Helpful Links

Visit the U.S. Department of State Visitor Visa page for the latest information about changes to visa policies and procedures.

Visit the U.S. Department of State Business Visa page for specific information for travelers coming to the United States to attend conventions and conferences.

Find the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.

Visa Problems

The Academy would like to hear from you if you have experienced any difficulties obtaining a visa in order to attend an AAO meeting. E-mail us to report any difficulties or to request additional documentation beyond the letter of invitation.

You may also report your case to The National Academies International Visitors Office by completing the Visa Questionnaire. Be sure to identify "American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting" in the "Purpose of Visit" field.

Time

New Orleans is in the Central Time Zone. In November, the Central Time Zone is -6h UTC/GMT.

Language

The official language of the Academy’s annual meeting is English.

Weather

November in New Orleans is mild with an average high temperature of 72°F (22°C) and an average low of 52°F (11°C).

Dress

Business-conservative or business-casual attire is appropriate for all meeting events. You are welcome to wear traditional clothing from your country. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are long walking distances within the convention center.

Tax Free Shopping

The state of Louisiana welcomes international visitors by offering vouchers to refund the tax paid on purchases made at participating stores.

Remember to bring your passport or another picture identification with you when you shop.

Make sure the business is a member of Louisiana Tax Free Shopping (LTFS). Look for the LTFS logo or ask the store.

When you make your purchase show the store your passport and ask for a Tax Free Voucher.

Bring your vouchers, sales receipts, passport and proof of roundtrip international travel to a LTFS Refund Center for a cash refund of the Louisiana state sales tax, and in some cases, local sales tax.

The Eugene "Gene" Schreiber Refund Center is located at the Louis Armstrong International Airport, Terminal C; the Francis "Hank" Lauricella Refund Center is located at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk - next to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Find more information about tax free shopping for international visitors.

Travel Tips

Telephone

U.S. country code: +1

Chicago area code: 504

U.S. telephone numbers have seven digits (e.g., 555-1234)

To make a local call within the same area code, just dial the seven-digit number.

To call outside the 504 area code, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number.

To call internationally from Chicago dial "011" + country code + area code + number

Exchange Rate

Help plan your trip by checking the current exchange rate of your currency to U.S. dollars.

Tipping

Tipping in the United States is customary. A 15% to 20% tip is usually expected in restaurants, taxis and for services you receive.

Electricity

Voltage 120, frequency 60 Hz. Adaptors that may be required are for two flat blades or for two flat blades with a grounding pin.

two flat blades or two flat blades with a round grounding pin

International Lounge

International attendees are encouraged to visit the International Lounge during the Academy’s annual meeting. It is an ideal place to learn more about Academy programs, check your email, meet your colleagues or just relax.
AAO International Group Housing

AAO International Group Housing is the official international group housing provider EXCLUSIVELY serving international groups of 5 or more medical attendees.

Individuals, and small groups with less than 5 rooms, should contact aaohotels@expovision.com to book hotel rooms.

AAO International Group Housing provides:

All-inclusive housing packages: room, breakfast, porterage, taxes, gratuities, shuttle service to/from convention center.

Lowest hotel rates booked through the official AAO housing block.

Secure payment processing and online room block management.

Multilingual assistance.

Four international offices offering live chat and technical support in your time zone.

Help in facilitating visa processing and CME reporting.

Find more information for international attendees or print a letter of invitation.