TRANSPORTATION & VISAS

TRANSPORTATION

Airport

Logan International Airport
Logan Airport is a convenient 2 miles outside the city center, with several convenient public transportation options to the airport from downtown & suburban locations. Travelers can ride the MBTA Blue Line to Airport Station and connect to all terminals via free Logan shuttle buses. Taxis are readily available within the city & at the airport. There are approximately 40 airlines that serve Boston. For information about airlines, flights, security and directions to Logan International Airport, click on the link above.

Ground Transportation

MBTA (Mass. Bay Transportation Authority)
The MBTA - referred to as the "T" - runs daily service on buses, trains, & trolleys throughout Boston & surrounding towns. T stations can be identified by a black "T" on a white circular sign. Tokens can be bought at booths at each station. Click on the MBTA web site to find out more .

TAXI - Available 24-hours. Approximate taxi fare from airport is $35 one-way. Taxis are available outside the baggage claim level.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Available 24 hours. Fares range from $13-$15 one-way. The Visitor/Transportation section of www.bostonusa.com for information on the shuttle bus companies available in Boston.

TIPS - Airport and Hotel Baggage Handlers Average tip for porters is $1 per bag, one-way.  Taxi Drivers tip is 15-18% of total fare.

VISA INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN SCIENTISTS TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES

Please read all information below for important information and important web links.

As part of security procedures, applications for visas are being sent to the State Department where they are reviewed. The Website for the State Department is http://travel.state.gov/visa. We advise scientists traveling to the United States to apply for a visa as early as possible (at least three months before visa is needed).

Please check with your local U.S. consulate or embassy to find out the earliest that you may apply for a visa by clicking on the following URL: http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html.  

Because of the number of visas being processed and the need to be thorough with the reviews, this can take as long 8 weeks, especially for those countries that are on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Attendees from these countries should start the application process at least 6 months in advance of the meeting.

Some foreign participants may not need visas if they are citizens of any of the countries on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For the list of countries, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html. ALL citizens of the Visa Waiver Program are required to have Machine-Readable Passports (MRP) in order to travel to the United States without a visa. Without a MRP, you will be required to apply for a visa. All foreign visitors (including Visa Waiver Program travelers) will be fingerprinted and photographed upon arrival in the United States. 

To assist you with the Visa application process:

Ø      Ask for a letter of invitation to attend at least four (4) months prior to the meeting (see below for further information).

Ø      Apply for visa at least three (3) months in advance. For countries that are on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, the State Department suggests applying for a visa six (6) to eight (8) months in advance.

Ø      Provide your entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application.

Ø      If completion of travel plans is contingent upon early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.

Ø      Provide proof of scientific status.

Ø      Provide meeting brochure and letter of invitation.

Ø      Provide evidence that you are intending to return to your country of residence. This includes such things as: family ties in current country of residence, property ownership, bank account, an employment contract or statement from employer showing that position will continue after the dates of the meeting.

Requirements vary by passport-issuing country and citizenship (not merely residency).  

VISA Problems: For applications waiting more than 30 days after their interview to receive notification, you can complete an on-line questionnaire for assistance. The questionnaire can be found at http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Visa_Questionnaire.html

Requests for Letters of Invitation: For security purposes, letters of invitation can only be sent to individuals that have registered for the meeting. Please contact the AAI Management Office to request a letter of invitation: leftwich@faseb.org.

Questions regarding this policy?  Contact AAI at (301) 634-7178 or infoaai@aai.org.