TRAVEL & VISA

To help you plan your visit, we have provided some essential information about traveling to San Diego, reaching the conference venue, and U.S. visa requirements.

Important: International participants requiring a U.S. visa are encouraged to begin planning early. Visa appointments and processing times can vary significantly by country and may require several months. Conference invitation letters are available upon request, even before registration opens in March 2027.

Conference Venue

Catamaran Resort Hotel
3999 Mission Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109, USA

Our conference will take place at the Catamaran Resort, located on the beautiful shores of Mission Bay, just steps from the Pacific Ocean. The resort offers a relaxed coastal setting, with restaurants, beaches, and recreational activities nearby.

Traveling to San Diego

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most convenient airport for the conference. It is approximately 8 miles (13 km) from the Catamaran Resort Hotel.

International travelers can reach San Diego through connections at major U.S. airports, including Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), as well as other international gateways.

From San Diego International Airport, the easiest way to reach the Catamaran Resort is by Uber, Lyft, or taxi. The ride typically takes about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.

A rental car is not necessary for attending the conference.

Visa Information for International Participants

International participants requiring a U.S. visa are encouraged to begin planning early. Conference invitation letters are available upon request, even before registration opens in March 2027.

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may be eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or may need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.

  • Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): Eligible travelers from participating countries may visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they have an approved ESTA authorization. Learn more and apply for ESTA.

  • Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2): Participants who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program may need to obtain a visitor visa. Attendance at a scientific conference is generally permitted under the B-1 business visitor classification. U.S. Visitor Visa Information.

You can check current appointment wait times here:

U.S. Visa Appointment Wait Times

Invitation Letters

To facilitate early planning, the ARS 2027 conference organizers will be happy to provide official conference invitation letters before registration opens in March 2027.

If you require an invitation letter, please contact the conference administrator Kathy Sterling (ARS2027@scripps.edu) with your full name (as shown on your passport), institutional affiliation, and country of residence.

Please note that an invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval.

Discover San Diego

November is a wonderful time to visit San Diego, with abundant sunshine, generally mild weather, beautiful coastal scenery, and plenty of opportunities to explore.

We hope you will take some time to enjoy the beaches, museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions that make San Diego such a special destination.

For more information, visit the Official San Diego Tourism Website.

We look forward to welcoming you to San Diego in November 2027!