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RSNA Welcomes International Exhibitors and Attendees

A trip to the United States may require an additional degree of planning. This page provides international meeting attendees the essential information for planning a trip to the U.S.:

General Meeting Information
97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
November 27 - December 2, 2011
McCormick Place Convention Center
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60616 USA
Website: http://www.mccormickplace.com/

International Invitation Letter
If you must apply for a temporary non-immigrant visa to attend RSNA, you are advised to apply as soon as travel to the United States is contemplated and not later than 3-4 months in advance. APPLY EARLY!

RSNA offers an official letter of invitation for RSNA 2011 attendees, available here. The visa letter of invitation, though not required for the visa application, can assist as a supporting document. Present this letter of invitation from RSNA to the consular officer during the visa interview. This letter by no means guarantees admittance into the U.S., but can provide compelling evidence for immigration officials to consider. Please note that RSNA cannot intervene with either U.S. embassies abroad or with the U.S. State Department on behalf of any participant.

Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. For more information go to travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html and click Visa Waiver program.

Travel Approval Required for Visa Waiver Countries

A valid ESTA approval is required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers fill out when traveling to the United States. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States. DHS recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans. Learn more about ESTA.


  • Effective January 20, 2010, The Department of Homeland Security is transitioning to enforced compliance of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement for VWP travelers. Therefore, VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.
  • Effective September 8, 2010, US Customs and Border Protection will charge $14 for all new or renewed ESTA. The fees include a $4 administrative fee and a $10 travel promotion fee established by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. More information regarding this fee can be found at http://www.cbp.gov/.

Tips for Successful Visa Applications

  • Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer (available here).
  • When possible, provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status, society membership and/or meeting registration.
  • Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they intend to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of binding or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in the visitor's home country.
  • Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.
  • All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits under the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Useful Visa and Travel Websites

International Travel Packages
The official international travel provider at RSNA 2011, ESA Voyages, provides full service travel packages for individuals traveling from outside North America. Packages include: hotel room, airport transfers in Chicago, baggage handling at the hotel, daily American breakfast, local taxes and staff travel assistance. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

Onsite Services

Certificate of Attendance
Attendees can use the computers in the Internet Zones to print a personalized certificate of attendance.

Foreign Currency Exchange Services
South Building-Level 2.5, inside Business Center operated by FedEx Office

Hours of Operation
Sunday – Thursday …9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Exchange foreign currency, cash foreign-or U.S.-denominated travelers checks or purchase phone cards.

International Travel Service
ESA Voyages will be available at the Help Center (Grand Concourse, Level 3) and at Professional Registration (Lakeside Center, Level 3) to assist with questions.

Interpretation Services
The official language of the RSNA annual meeting is English; however, interpreters will be available to answer questions in Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish at the Help Centers or Professional Registration.

RSNA Global Connection
RSNA reaches out to medical imaging professional and trainees across the global. Visit RSNA Global Connection in RSNA Services to learn about training programs, grants and fellowships, free and discounted resources for international institutions, online education opportunities, journals, international membership and more. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions about opportunities offered by the RSNA Committee on International Relations and Education (CIRE) and the RSNA Research & Education (R&E) Foundation.