Visa Information

Start your visa application early.

Travel to the U.S. from all countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program does require a visa.

The United States has instituted tighter visa requirements for nonimmigrant applicants. This may increase the time it takes to process your visa application. Use the information in the pages linked below to help prepare for the process and begin your visa application well in advance of your travel dates. Visa applications in some countries can take as long as two to three months.

Attendees, start with your visa invitation letter.

To request a Visa Invitation Letter NOW please email ExhibitorServices@iwfatlanta.com
Once an email request is received, we will send a form to complete. Invitation letter(s) will be emailed back to the sender. Letter of Invitation processing may take up to 10 days.

Visa Application Tips

Since the application process can take up to 3 months, start preparing for your application early to avoid disappointment.

Schedule an appointment with your country's U.S. Embassy as soon as all of your materials are complete and you have received your Letter of Invitation and registration confirmation from IWF. Make your appointment early as wait times can be long in some countries. Check visa wait times by country.
Completely fill out all official documents. Answer all questions completely. Avoid using "n.a." or "not applicable" on your forms. Instead answer "no" or "none."
Travel with an official embassy delegation. Traveling with a delegation organized by your local embassy or trade organization can improve your chances of visa approval.

Visa Interview Tips

Arrive prepared at your interview. Be courteous and patient.

Bring your letter of invitation and any other materials you have received from IWF (promotional pieces, registration materials, Education Conference information, etc.) to your interview. This helps to show IWF is a legitimate business event.
Show proof of "strong ties" that bind you to your country of residence. The consular officers conducting visa interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of "strong ties" includes proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships.
If you have traveled to the U.S. previously, provide documentation demonstrating that you returned to your country on time (reservation receipts, airline boarding pass, passport stamps, etc.) or materials that show you attended a business conference or meeting.

Interviews are generally very short in length. Questions focus on your travel plans and your ties to your home country ensuring your return. Being as prepared as possible improves your likelihood of being approved.
Remember, wait times for interviews can be very long. Begin the process as soon as possible and schedule an interview immediately upon registering for IWF and receiving your letter of invitation.

Visa Waiver Program

Currently 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing their citizens to visit the U.S. without a visa for tourism or business trips lasting less than 90 days. However. there are some restrictions and additional requirements.

Important Disclaimer

The International Woodworking Fair, LLC (IWF) does not assume any financial, legal or other type of responsibility for any person during their attendance at IWF, and is not responsible for denied visa applications.

Just the FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions here.

Have more questions?

Go to the main FAQs page.

What are the show dates?

IWF 2026 happens Tuesday, August 25 – Friday, August 28, 2026.

Where is the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)? How do I get there?

The GWCC is located at 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard in downtown Atlanta. It is within easy walking distance of most downtown hotels. From the airport, you can use MARTA (Atlanta’s rapid rail system), take a cab/rideshare or rent a car. MARTA and/or shuttle bus service will also be available from select hotels.

Getting to the GWCC

How can I find out if a certain company is exhibiting?

Search for the company on our website, or visit our show planner site.

Go to the IWF Show Planner

Will there be interpreters? What languages? Where will they be located?

Yes, IWF operates an International Buyers Lounge where interpreters will be available for short-term consultation and assistance. Translation services will be available in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese.

Where can I exchange foreign currency while at IWF?

Some major downtown hotels, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and most large downtown banks have currency exchange. Currency exchange services are not available on site at the Georgia World Congress Center.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Registration is now open!

IWF in the News