Visa Information

Customs Information for Entry to France

Make sure to carry proper identification and documents while traveling to the congress. Optica strongly encourages you to apply for any additional documentation (i.e., visa) no later than 6 months prior to the event, as the application process can be lengthy.

All visitors to France must have a valid travel document, such as a passport.

Some visitors may also need:

• Valid visitor visa, depending on your citizenship. Find out if you need a visa. >
• Letter of invitation from the event organizer

Letter of Invitation

Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas can complete the online request form.

Important Information

• Your name must be listed exactly as it appears on your passport. Any differences between the name on your passport and the name on your invitation letter or other documentation could lead to a delay and/or denial of your visa.
• If you are presenting a paper, include the title and session in which the paper will be presented. If you are exhibiting, please indicate so in your request.
• Each individual requesting an invitation letter must fill out a separate form.
• All letters will be sent in PDF form to the email address provided. If you require a paper copy, please provide a courier account number or credit card number with expiration date with the original request.
• Optica reserves the right to request further information regarding the company or affiliation of the attendee to ensure the validity of requests. Meeting attendees do not need to wait until their paper is accepted to request a visa invitation letter.
• Optica is unable to contact embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry to attend a meeting.
• We recommend that you secure your travel visa before registering for the meeting as cancellations after the pre-registration cutoff may result in a cancellation fee.

Note: Please allow up to 15 business days to process your request for an invitation letter.

For questions about the visa invitation letter application process, send an email to invitations@optica.org