Travel & Lodging
Hotel Accommodations
The Workshop Organizing Committee has reserved a limited number of rooms with special negotiated rates for registered participants at the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, 3900 NW 21st Street, Miami, Florida.
Transportation from the Airport
The Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel provides free shuttle service from Miami International Airport to the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel.
Entry Requirements
Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries), coming to the U.S. temporarily. The visa, placed in your passport when issued, allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry(Miami International Airport, for example) and request permission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection immigration officer to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.
U.S. visa policy permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States without a visa when they meet certain requirements under U.S. laws. For information about travel without a visa, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1261.html. Citizens of countries that are not eligible to travel to the United States without a visa should take the following steps to obtain a visa AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
- Determine visa type: see http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html. If there is any question regarding the appropriate visa type, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for further guidance.
- Determine where to apply: apply through the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be available to appear for an interview. U.S. embassies and consulates are listed at http://www.usembassy.gov.
- Submit application and schedule an interview: the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate will provide detailed instructions on the application process, submission of the online visa application form, payment of applicable fees, and scheduling of the interview. If you have difficulty scheduling an interview or requesting - if needed- an expedited appointment, contact the Department of State Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs c/o Elizabeth Tirpak (202-647-0238, tirpakej[at]state.gov).
What to bring to the interview: the embassy or consulate website will list all required documents that must be presented at the time of the interview. Please note that submitting required documents and/or an invitation to an event does not guarantee issuance of a visa. All applicants will need to overcome Immigration & Nationality Act 214(b), which stipulates that every non-immigrant visa applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant to the United States until the applicant proves otherwise. When evaluating immigrant intent, consular officers look for solid reasons that indicate the applicant will be returning abroad after his/her visit. In doing this, they take into consideration the totality of an applicant’s situation, including, but not limited to, profession, property ownership, socio-economic status, as well as family and community ties. During the interview, the consul may request supplementary documentation or additional proof of solvency. Such documentation may include resume and list of publications and research projects. Some visa applications require additional administrative processing, which requires some additional time. Applicants will be informed during the interview if additional administrative processing is required. During the interview, most applicants will also be required to provide quick, inkless fingerprint scans.
Climate and Meeting Attire
Average high temperature: 81°F/27°C; average low temperature: 67°F/19°C; average rainfall: 3.0 in/7.6cm. Tropical business casual is the recommended dress.
Voltage
United States operates on 120 volts, 60 hertz. Travelers with computers, shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit with type A/B.
Currency
The monetary unit in the United States is the dollar ($). Travelers can obtain current exchange rates from currency converter tools online.
First aid and health services
First aid medical assistance will be available at the Workshop venue. Jackson Memorial Hospital (1-305-355-1212) is 5 miles/8km from the Workshop venue. All costs incurred in the hospital or for other medical care will be the responsibility of each individual participant.