International Visitors
Join interactive entertainment industry professionals from more than 80 countries for E3 2005. As you begin making your plans for E3, please take a moment and review the procedures for obtaining a visa. It's never too early to start securing travel arrangements to E3 2005. Remember, that advanced planning by foreign travelers is absolutely critical, and that the timeframes for visa processing can vary significantly from country to country.
Visa Information
Start making your arrangements today. Based on changes to the immigration laws, the U.S. State Department advises anyone applying for a temporary visa to enter the U.S. should plan on the process to take significantly longer than it has in the past.
Will you need a visa to attend E3 2005? The visa application form in now available online.
Suggestions to consider when applying for a visa to enter the U.S.:
Apply early for your visa. There are new screening processes in place at all U.S. Embassies that could lengthen the processing time for your application. U.S. Consular Services suggests that you begin the application process at least 60 days prior to your planned departure date. For additional information on the wait time to obtain an interview, contact the Consular Section of your local Embassy.
Be prepared to show proof that you have strong ties to your home country, and if possible, have proof that you have traveled internationally and have returned within the time restrictions of your visa. For more information, visit the Visa Section of travel. State.gov, an official source of information about United States visa policy and procedures.
Letter of Invitation
During your visa interview, present your visa letter of invitation. The visa letter of invitation can assist as a supporting document. You can request a visa letter of invitation during the E3 registration process. Once your registration is complete and you have received your confirmation, the visa invitation letter will be automatically generated and ready for you to print out from your own computer.
Visa Waiver Program
As of October 26, 2004, visa waiver travels from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must present either a machine-readable passport of a U.S. visa. Learn more by reading "What I Need to Know" about VWP and the Required Machine Readable Passport."
US-Visit Program
US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins overseas, when a person applies for a visa to travel to the United States, and continues on through entry and exit at U.S. air and seaports and, eventually, at land border crossings. The US-VISIT program enhances the security of U.S. citizens and visitors by verifying the identity of visitors with visas. At the same time, it facilitates legitimate travel and trade by leveraging technology and the evolving use of biometrics to expedite processing at our borders.
Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security site to learn more U.S. entry and exit procedures.
Interpreters at E3
Language interpreters are available in South Hall at the International Counter for attendees needed assistance in several languages including: Japanese, Korean, French and German.
Travel
Let CMR, E3's official Housing Service make your travel arrangements. As a full service travel organization, CMR is your one stop for exclusive discounted rates from hotels, major airlines and car rental agencies.
Visiting Los Angeles for the first time?
Los Angeles Convention Center
The Los Angeles Convention Center is conveniently located at the intersection of the Santa Monica and Harbor Freeways.
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, California 90015
Phone: 213.741.1151
Fax: 213.765.4266
For directions and more information click here.
Additional Visitor Resources
Los Angeles is one of the nation's premier destinations. While attending E3, be sure to take in the sights - from Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive to Century City and Universal City, the area is overflowing with exciting opportunities for travelers from near and far. Below are links to some informative Web sites that are sure to enhance your experience at E3 2005.
www.los-angeles-california.com
www.latimes.com
www.la.com
www.wherela.com
In addition, the official Web site of the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau is www.lacvb.com. This site offers all the essential information that you'll need for a great trip to Los Angeles.
