If you are an international visitor to the 2010 Int'l Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, be reminded that the United States government has instituted new, tighter visa requirements for non-immigrant applicants. This may lengthen the amount of time it takes to process your visa application. As a result, get an early jump on your visa application process by obtaining all the neccesary documentation.

Whether you are an attendee or exhibitor at the 2010 event, you must do several things in advance to prepare for your trip. Generally, international travelers need a visa to enter the US. Travelers from certain eligible countries may be able to visit the U.S. without a Visa, through the Visa Waiver Program. View a list of VWP countries.

If you are from a country that does not participate in the VWP, you will need to make an appointment with your U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a Visa interview. Click to find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The turnaround time for most visa applications is 30 days, but in some cases may take considerably longer. It is recommended to apply for your visa two to three months before your scheduled trip in order to avoid delays in processing. You may contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for current wait times.

Appropriate documentation, such as an Invitation Letter, can help demonstrate the purpose of your trip which is to attend and/or exhibit at this event and that you intend to return home. Once you complete the online form for a Letter of Invitation, you can print out your personalized letter in color on your own printer. Additionally, you should bring this letter to your visa interview as a supporting document.