Getting to Maryland by Air

Maryland is served by three major airports: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI; 1-800-435-9294 or 410-859-7111) in Maryland, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD; 703-572-2700) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA; 703-417-8000) in Northern Virginia. These airports are located between 1.5 and 3 hours from the hotel. See Ground Transportation below for information about options for getting to the hotel.

The closest airport to the 16th IDS location with commercial service is Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY). Flights via American Airlines are very limited, with connections through Philadelphia (PHL) and Charlotte (CLT). SBY is about 40 miles from the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay; a rental car or cab will be needed to the hotel.

Ground Transportation

By reservation on a first come, first served basis, there will be a limited service complimentary bus service between the hotel and BWI Airport. If you are interested in utilizing the complimentary bus service, please note the bus schedule below and plan your flights accordingly.

BWI Airport to/from Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Complimentary Bus Service
SUNDAY, 15 JULY Departure Times (for attendees flying into BWI)
         2:00 p.m.
         6:00 p.m.
** If you plan to utilize the complimentary bus service from BWI to the hotel, when registering for the 16th IDS, be sure to select the bus departure time that is at least one hour after your flight's scheduled time of arrival at BWI Airport. This should allow enough time for deplaning, collecting your baggage, and making your way to the bus loading area.

FRIDAY, 20 JULY Departure Times (for attendees flying out of BWI)
         10:00 a.m.
           2:00 p.m.
** If you plan to utilize the complimentary bus service from the hotel to BWI, when registering for the 16th IDS, be sure to select the bus departure time that is at least four hours before your flight's schedule departure time from BWI Airport. This should allow enough time for traffic delays, unloading of the bus at the airport, airline and baggage check-in, and airport security.

If you will be flying into any airport other than BWI, or if you prefer not to plan your trip around the bus schedule, your best alternative is to rent a car which will give you greater freedom with your travel arrangements, and enable you to explore the area beyond the hotel during your free time. Another option, if you prefer not to rent a car, is to reserve your transportation through a shuttle service.

More Information about Shuttle Service (BWI Airport)

If flying into BWI Airport, Bayrunner Shuttle offers daily transportation between the airport and the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge. Departures from the airport are scheduled every two hours, starting at 8:35 a.m. and final departure at 8:35 p.m.

When returning to BWI Airport from the hotel for your departing flight, the first departure from the hotel is at 6:00 a.m. and last departure is at 6:00 p.m. Expect at least 1.5 hours of travel time between the hotel and airport, so schedule your departure from the hotel at least four hours prior to your flight's departure time to allow for traffic, airport check-in, and getting through security.

Fees range from $69 each way for one person, $108 one way for two people travelling together, and $140 one way for three people travelling together. Each additional person is $32 one way.

Advance reservations with Bayrunner Shuttle are strongly recommended. Visit their website to make your reservation if you'll be flying into BWI Airport, don't plan to rent a car, and prefer the flexibility of this ground transportation option.

Transportation from Dulles International Airport

If you will be flying into Washington Dulles International Airport or Ronald Reagan National Airport, renting a car is the best option in terms of cost and convenience. There are no shared-ride van services that provide regular service to the Cambridge, Maryland area. Car service reserved just for you could cost above $200. Traffic in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC metropolitan area is notoriously heavy, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. If you prefer not to rent a car, we encourage you to try and arrange your travel to fly in and out of BWI Airport.

For Non-U.S. Citizens/Residents: Letter of Invitation and Visa Information

How to Request a Visa Invitation Letter:

Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas, please contact: info@intdetsymp.org. Please include any information in your request that needs to be in the letter.

Visa Information

• Apply now for your Visa
• Visa Waiver Program
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• Visa Application Guidelines
• Schedule an Interview
• Helpful Information to prepare for Interview
• Attend your Visa Interview
• Visa Renewals
• Helpful On-line Resources

Apply now for your Visa
The visa application process to enter the United States has become subject to greater degrees of scrutiny than in the past. For this reason, the application process can take up to six months or more. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible, but no later than three months before you wish to enter the United States.

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa—either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), tourism, pleasure or visiting (visa category B-2), or a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

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

Visa Waiver Program
There are 38 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. If your country is on this list, and you are traveling to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less with a valid passport that meets U.S. requirements, and the listed conditions do not apply to you, you do NOT need a visa. Otherwise, you need to obtain a visa.

Please note that as of January 2016, the Visa Waiver Program has changed. Please review these changes here.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of vistitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers' arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.

• ESTA application

Visa Application Guidelines

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must:
• 1) complete the online visa application
• 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

Schedule an Interview

Personal interviews can be critical to successfully and efficiently obtaining a visa to enter the United States.

One factor contributing to the increase in the processing time is a personal interview that is now required for most applicants as a standard part of visa processing. Group interviews are not recommended. Applicants need to be prepared to clearly present their intent to return from the U.S. as well as explain in detail how they will be spending their time while in the United States. It is not enough to just state “I will be attending a meeting”. Embassies are looking for more details as well as documents and information that demonstrate and support these intents.
 
Individuals are strongly encouraged to contact the embassy or consulate to schedule a personal interview as soon as it is known a visa is necessary for travel. Be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

Click here for more information about scheduling your Interview.

Helpful Information to prepare for your Interview

Click here for helpful information tips on how to prepare for your Interview.

Attend your Visa Interview

Click here for important information about attending your Visa Interview.

Visa Renewals
Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process. Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IWP is available and if you qualify.

Helpful On-line Resources

U.S. Customs and Border Information
Visa Waiver Program Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. State Department Visa Information
Department of Homeland Security