Important travel information for ISTH 2025 attendees

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Thank you for interest in joining us at ISTH 2025. We are grateful for your commitment to being part of this vibrant global community of experts, researchers, clinicians and advocates in thrombosis and hemostasis. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected field, one that thrives on collaboration, innovation and a shared goal of improving patient care worldwide. We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging and educational Congress, taking place June 21–25 in Washington, D.C., where we’ll continue advancing science and strengthening our global network.

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As you prepare for your journey, we’d like to share some helpful travel information to support a smooth, well-prepared experience.

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For those traveling to the United States (U.S.), there are a few recent updates to entry procedures that may be helpful to know in advance. While some screening processes have been enhanced, these are standard practices to support national security, and the vast majority of travelers continue to enter the U.S. smoothly and without issue.

 

To ensure a seamless travel experience, please take a moment to review the following information and become familiar with your rights and responsibilities ahead of your trip.

 

Travel tips and resources to make your journey smoother:
 

• Stay informed with official travel guidance. Review travel advisories issued by your country of citizenship and/or residence, as well as other trusted official sources.

• Begin your U.S. visa process early. Consult the U.S. State Department for current requirements. The purposes for your travel must match the purpose to the type of visa or visa waiver. Typically, attendance at a conference such as ISTH 2025 is categorized as a “Tourist Visa.”

• Use Visa Wizard as a resource. To determine what type of visa you may need, we recommend using the Visa Wizard page on the U.S. State Department’s website: Visa Wizard. If you are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may not need to apply for a visa, but you must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). More information can be found on the Visa Waiver Program page.

• If necessary, seek legal advice before you travel. If you have specific questions and/or concerns about your visa, immigration status or rights at the border, we advise consulting with an immigration attorney familiar with U.S. entry procedures. Your respective university/institution/company may also provide access to such legal counsel.

• Understand U.S. Border screening practices. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the agencies responsible for screening travelers at ports of entry. As part of its process, CBP officers may question travelers about the purpose of their trip. It is important that travelers pay attention to the accuracy of the information they provide in their visa/immigration documents and that they match the purpose of their travel.

• Be mindful of digital content and social media. In the unlikely event of additional screening, CBP officers may review publicly available content, including social media, to verify visa status or travel intent. Travelers are advised to ensure their online presence aligns with the stated purpose of their visit. Learn more, here.

• Travel smart with electronic devices. Despite some high-profile media coverage, it is uncommon for the CBP to inspect travelers’ electronic devices such as phones, cameras and/or laptops. In fact, during calendar year 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, fewer than 0.01% of international arrivals had their devices inspected, per official figures. For added peace of mind, consider traveling with only essential devices and limiting the sensitive personal or professional data stored directly on them. Utilizing secure cloud storage or password-protected backups is a smart precaution. Click here for more information on CBP’s policies.

• Share your travel plans. Ensure that your family, colleagues and/or employer are informed of your travel details, including your itinerary. If available, have the contact information for your embassy or home institution on hand in case any questions arise during entry into the U.S.

• Know Your Rights and Responsibilities. While travelers may decline to provide access to electronic devices, this could influence an officer’s decision regarding entry. Being informed helps ensure you're prepared for any questions or requests during your arrival. Learn more about your rights, here.

 

Please note that this information is provided for your general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. For additional support, please refer to your country’s official travel website, the U.S. Embassy of your country of citizenship and/or residence or consult with a qualified immigration advisor.

 

Supporting your journey to ISTH 2025:

 

The ISTH deeply values the safety, dignity and peace of mind of our global members and attendees.

We remain committed to supporting your travel and Congress experience. We will continue to closely monitor developments that may affect our international attendees and provide timely updates on the ISTH 2025 Congress website as needed.

 

As we navigate these updates together, the ISTH deeply appreciates the flexibility and understanding of our community in helping ensure a smooth and successful experience for all.

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We look forward to welcoming you to Washington, D.C. for an inspiring, insightful, and educational ISTH 2025 Congress.