Guide for International Travelers to SCMS 2026
Reserve Your Hotel
Use the official hotel reservation links on the Hotel Information page.
Please note that neither the hotel nor a third party will reach out to attendees to prompt you to book your hotel stay. Using the validated links on the Hotel Information page are the only way to reserve your room.
For assistance, contact hotel@scmsconference.com.
Register for SCMS 2026
Registration for the annual meeting is now open.
Visa Requirements & Preparation
Visa requirements vary by country and change periodically. Before making travel plans, visit the U.S. State Department website for the most current guidance.
If you require a visa, apply as early as possible-we strongly recommend submitting your application 3 months before travel to allow sufficient processing time.
Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) prior to boarding a flight to the U.S.
Additional helpful resources:
Invitation Letters for Visa Applications
SCMS provides personalized invitation letters to support visa applications. For a personalized invitation letter, please request one here.
Visa Types Frequently Used by Conference Attendees
- B-1 (Business Visitor): Appropriate for academic conferences, meetings, seminars, and other professional activities.
- B-2 (Tourism): For sightseeing or vacation travel.
- B-1/B-2 Combination: Allows both conference attendance and tourism within the same visit.
Supporting Documentation
Some travelers may be asked to present additional documentation at the port of entry:
- Travel itinerary (flight details, hotel reservation)
- Proof of conference registration
- SCMS invitation letter (if applicable)
- Passport and visa with valid expiration dates
You may be asked to complete a Customs Declaration (digital or paper) during your arrival process.
Border & Traveler Protections
- Review U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations on permitted and restricted items.
- Please review any guidance provided by your university and country of citizenship for travel to the United States.
- Some travelers may benefit from enrolling in CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI).
- For information about digital privacy and traveler rights, see:
- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol information on the search of electronic devices at the border.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation information on digital privacy at the U.S. border, with a long version and short version of guidance for travelers.
- Information on international travelers' rights and responsibilities in the U.S. from CLEAR, the free legal assistance program at the City University of New York.
- For LGBT2QIA+ travelers, in particular gender-nonconforming and trans travelers, resources on flying to and in the U.S. (scroll down) from Advocates 4 Trans Equality.
Although SCMS has sought the best information we could to help participants arrive safely and enjoy their stay, our sharing of these resources in good faith does not constitute an endorsement.
Currency Exchange Options
Currency exchanges are available at:
O'Hare International Airport
- Terminal 1: Gates B9 and C18
- Terminal 2: Main
- Terminal 3: Gate K11
- Terminal 5 (International): Upper and Lower Levels
Midway International Airport: Concourse A
Currency Exchange International: The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave.
Tips for Entry
- Double-check expiration dates on all travel documents. Most travelers need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay (some countries are exempt, so check the rules for your citizenship).
- Ensure you have both physical and digital copies of important paperwork, including your passport, visa, invitation letter, hotel confirmation, and conference registration.
- Follow any health or travel advisories issued by your airline or country of departure.
- Be prepared to answer basic questions from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers about the purpose of your visit (e.g., attending the SCMS Annual Conference). Make sure the address of your U.S. stay (your hotel) is easily accessible for your
customs form or kiosk entry.
- If traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, confirm that your ESTA approval is valid for your travel dates.
- Keep your mobile devices charged, as some travelers may be asked to present them for inspection. (See our digital privacy resources above.)
- If you are traveling with medication, keep it in original, labeled containers and carry prescriptions or a
doctor's note.
- If you bring food items, gifts, or large amounts of currency, be prepared to declare them.
- Be respectful, concise, and honest in your responses during any CBP or security interaction.
- For additional guidance, consult the U.S. Department of State's travel information or contact your nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.
FAQs and Additional Resources
Visit the 2026 Conference FAQ page for commonly asked questions. Questions? Contact SCMS for further assistance.
Emergency Contacts
- U.S. emergency number: 911
- Non-emergency medical or police assistance varies by jurisdiction.
- Your hotel front desk can assist with local medical or safety resources.
- International travelers may also contact their consulate for urgent assistance.
Chicago Consulates
Chicago hosts over 80 Consulates/Consuls General offices. Find your foreign consulate here.
