Accordion

• Schedule an appointment with your U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as you receive your visa letter of invitation.

  Make your appointment early as wait times can be long in some countries. Check the estimated wait time at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• How to apply.

  There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary. Please consult the instructions available on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply.

• Travel with an official U.S. Embassy or Consulate Delegation.

  Traveling with an official delegation organized by your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate may improve your chances of receiving visa approval. If you are interested in joining a delegation, contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate and check if the Commercial Trade Specialist is organizing a delegation to CES 2026.

• Verify fees and requirements.

  A new $250 “integrity fee” (adjusted annually for inflation) was slated to start on October 1. This fee has been paused. We urge you to submit your proper visa requirements as soon as possible. Once implemented, the fee will apply to all non-immigrant visa holders, including meeting-goers. People from the more than 40 Visa Waiver Program countries and Canada are not subject to the visa integrity fee.

  Travelers will be eligible for reimbursement after the visa expires, as long as they don’t overstay the visa expiration date by more than five days or engage in unauthorized work. Details about how to apply for reimbursement are forthcoming. Source 

  Find out about fees for visa services and the methods of payment accepted by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• ​Show proof of “strong ties” that bind you to your country of residence. 

  The Consular Officers conducting visa interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of “strong ties” includes proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships.

• If you have traveled to the U.S. previously, provide documentation demonstrating you returned to your country on time.

  Show proof that you returned within the timeframe you stated. For example, use an airline ticket stub/boarding pass that shows your return flight or meeting materials that show you attended a business conference.

• With your application, include any materials CES 2026 may have sent you.

  Include with your application any printed or electronic event materials you receive from CES 2026 to prove the tradeshow is a legitimate business event.