Tips on planning your travel to the United States

1. Plan ahead

2. Ensure that you have a valid passport (your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay), a B-1 Visa if required, proof of your conference registration and your return airline tickets.

3. Keep copies of your Summit registration confirmation documents, payment confirmation and related documents.

4. Bring copies of your flight and travel details, hotel reservations and any related travel items.

Visa requirements

There are several steps you must take to secure a visa. The process may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website. 

You must complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must meet the Photograph Requirements.

Schedule an Interview:  You should generally schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. 

Collect all documents for your interview: Gather your passport, a copy of your visa application, application fee receipt, photo and letter confirming your attendance at the Leaders Summit. You may be required to provide documentation about the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or your ability to pay all costs of the trip. 

Please note, if you have a criminal record or have violated U.S. laws or visa rules before, it may affect your eligibility for a conference visa. Seek guidance from the U.S. embassy or consulate if you have concerns.

Can the UN Global Compact help secure my visa?

For attendees who require a visa to attend the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, the UN Global Compact will provide a letter of support after your registration and payment are processed. Please note that the responsibility for securing the appropriate visa lies with the attendee. Please indicate that you require a visa to travel to the United States during the registration process. Attendees who complete registration and pay in full will then receive a letter of support from the UN Global Compact via email, which can then be submitted along with other documentation when applying for a visa.