The following information is provided to make travel, especially international, as convenient as possible. Once your abstract has been accepted and scheduled, you will receive a letter of invitation by email. The conference management staff is willing to provide information whenever possible. However, please note the following:

• Invitation and participation letters cannot be issued to potential attendees until registration and full payment are made.
• Conference organizers are unable to send invitation letters directly to consulates on behalf of a potential attendee. Invitation letters are prepared solely for individuals and are emailed directly to them.
• It is the participant's responsibility to ensure documentation is correct and completed in a timely manner before you start your journey. It is recommended that an application for a visa be made at least 10 weeks prior to the proposed travel dates.
• People visiting from non-U.S. countries are required to have a valid passport and possibly other documentation. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with any questions or concerns regarding your travel requirements.

Travel Suggestions

• Make copies of your ID and passport: Make two photocopies of your license/ID — or passport for international travelers — in case either is lost or stolen. Bring one copy and store it separately from your original, and leave another with a friend or relative.
• Streamline your wallet: Lost wallets are the leading cause of identity theft. Only carry the card(s) you plan to use on your trip and leave your checkbook and the rest of your cards at home. If you decide to bring more than one credit card, consider stashing the extra, along with account information and customer service numbers for the cards you have with you, in a hotel safe or other secure location.
• Check the weather: Into every life — and vacation — a little rain must fall, so take steps to protect yourself by monitoring the local weather and packing the appropriate gear.
• Avoid oversharing online: Posting photos or checking in on social media sites advertises your absence from home. Real-time updates can be tempting, but wait until you return safely home before sharing your adventures.

Travel by Air

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so travel between the U.S. mainland and San Juan is treated as domestic travel. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a passport to travel between the mainland and Puerto Rico, but must present a valid government-issued photo ID that complies with the REAL ID Act. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the same entry requirements apply as for entering the United States from any foreign destination — please see the Visa Requirements section below.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors

Note for international attendees: If your itinerary includes a connection through a foreign country (such as the Dominican Republic or another Caribbean nation), that leg of your journey is treated as international travel and a valid U.S. visa or ESTA authorization will be required. Where possible, book direct or U.S.-connecting routes to San Juan to avoid this complication.

Agricultural Inspection

Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, travelers departing San Juan for the U.S. mainland pass through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection before boarding. Fresh fruits, plants, soil, and certain other agricultural products may be restricted or prohibited. Undeclared prohibited items may result in an on-the-spot fine. Plan accordingly when purchasing local produce or plant-based goods to bring home.

Visa Requirements

Puerto Rico follows the same immigration and visa policies as the United States mainland. To find out if you need a visa to attend the meeting and for more information on applying for a visa to enter the United States, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, but must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. Apply for ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Airline Reservation Assistance

For your convenience, you may contact Bambi Eskew at Allen Samuels House of Travel at 254-776-2560 or by e-mail to [email protected] for assistance with your travel plans.

The primary airport serving San Juan is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), approximately 10 miles and a 15–20 minute drive from the Puerto Rico Convention Center. SJU is the largest airport in the Caribbean and offers direct service from many major U.S. cities as well as international destinations. Taxis operating on a fixed-rate zone system and Uber are both available at the airport — confirm the fare with your taxi driver before departing. Several Convention Center District hotels also offer shuttle service; check with your hotel in advance.