Travel Visa to the United States of American
If you are unsure whether you need a visa to attend the conference, please check with your local embassy or travel agent. If you do, it is essential that you begin the process as soon as possible, in order that you obtain your visa in time for the conference or registration deadline. Visa application procedures for entering many countries, and in particular the USA, have become stricter and more complex following recent terrorist activities, and therefore it can take much longer to process your application than anticipated. Subject to certain conditions, we can provide a standard invitation letter to assist you with your visa application, and this should be requested through the conference registration form.
Applications for Visas, passports and any other travel authority document should begin 6 months prior to the conference to assure unrestricted travel plans. We do ask though that you submit your own application to the relevant authority and follow up accordingly. Unfortunately the conference committee is unable to follow up your application on your behalf or enter into correspondence directly with consulates. The invitation letter simply invites you to participate in the conference and does not imply any other services.
However, it is always recommended to confirm the validity of this information with the travel agencies and the USA diplomatic representations in the different countries. A full official list of the Embassies, Consulates, Vice-Consulates, Delegations, Missions and Offices around the world can be found at http://www.usembassy.gov/
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now subject to enhanced security requirements and will be required to pay an administrative fee. Please visit this web page for details: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
A tourist visa provides coverage for attending scientific conferences, seminars, or meetings. Note that tourist visa holders are not allowed to engage in any paid activity in the USA, but they can get per-diem allowances.
You should contact the nearest USA consulate in your area of jurisdiction and follow the procedure that typically involves filling out an on-line form, providing a passport type photo, paying a fee and mailing all these together with your passport to the consulate.
For those that specifically need a support letter to apply for a VISA, in order to come to the Conference, send an email to [email protected].
Health Requirements
It is strongly recommended that participants take out insurance to cover loss incurred in case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects. The organizers of the IUFRO Breeding for Value in a Changing World conference will not be responsible for any medical costs incurred by participants. The Organizing Committee will not accept liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to Conference participants, either during or as a result of the Conference or during any tours.
Insurance
Responsibility for personal accidents, loss or damages to private properties of participants and exhibitors is not accepted. Participants and exhibitors are advised to make their own arrangements if they consider it necessary.
Changes in Program
For scientific and/or technical reasons, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to make change in the Conference program.
Electrical supply
Electricity supplied in USA is 110 Volts - 60Hz. The American type of plug is Type A - 2 parallel flat prongs. Visitors should bring a plug adaptor if they wish to use their own small appliances and, more importantly, charge their laptops.
Internet connection
Free high-speed wireless internet connection will be available for all delegates at the Conference venue. The conference hotel charges $9.95 (USD) per day for wireless Internet (WiFi) in guest rooms. WiFi is free ($0.00) in the hotel lobby.
To access free WiFi throughout the conference and hotel, guests may choose to join, for free, the Omni Select Guest Loyalty Program. This program provides additional benefits, but is not connected with the conference, NC State University or IUFRO in any way.
Usually it is wireless in the hotel lobby and wired or wireless, when available, in the hotel rooms, depending on the category of the Hotel. Please check directly with the Hotel where you are staying what kind of internet facilities are available.
Weather
Please see the current weather conditions in Jacksonville, Florida USA as shown by the live weather widgets below.
Currency of the USA
The currency of the USA is the dollar ($US). US dollars (also referred to as "cash") come in paper denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and higher. It is strongly recommended that you do not use denominations greater that $50 for security reasons. Coins primarily used in USA cash transactions are fractions of a dollar:
$0.01 = penny
$0.05 = nickel
$0.10 = dime
$0.25 = quarter
ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
ATMs are widely available in all airports and in several spots in Jacksonville. Most will accept cards tied into the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro systems. As a precaution, though, check that the appropriate logo is displayed on the ATM before inserting your card. There is generally a daily limit of $200 to $500 for cash withdrawals depending on the bank or ATM. Remember that every time you withdraw cash there will be a transaction surcharge. Check with your own bank to see how much this is. If an ATM rejects your card, don’t despair. Try a few more before assuming the problem lies with your card.
Changing Money
Our advice is that you change some money as soon as you arrive in USA through the main airports. You can change your money in banks or at international terminal in the airport when you first arrive on USA soil. The hotel will not be able convert currency. Always make sure you have your passport, or some form of photo ID.
Credit Cards
All hotels accept credit cards, as do most restaurants and large shops. You can also use them to obtain cash advances at some banks. In general you will be fine by carrying a major card such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. If your card is lost, stolen or swallowed by an ATM, telephone toll-free to block its use. For VISA call 800-891-3680 and for MasterCard call 800-891-3294
