Visa Information and Support

Please consult the US State Department website (https://www.state.gov/visas/) to determine if you will need a visa in order to travel to the United States. Many visitors will be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. A list of these countries may be found here:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html

Visa letters for participants needing these documents will be available. The Academy of Model Aeronautics has a great deal of experience in guiding FAI event participants through the visa process. Those needing a visa letter should request one by contacting their team manager, who may request visa letters through the organizers.

Team Managers: if you need visa letters for your team members, please complete the following Visa Letter Worksheet and send via email to: jduffy@mac.com

Two invitation letters will be issued, from the National Association of Rocketry and the Academy of Model Aeronautics

Transportation

Austin’s Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) offers direct flights from all major cities in the United States and also offers convenient direct international service from Toronto, London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Alternatively, participants may choose to fly to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, 185 miles/300 km away, 3 hours driving time) or Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH, 180 miles/290 km away, 3.5 hours driving time).

Rental vehicles from a wide range of firms are available at all commercial airports.

Housing

The primary housing location for competitors, team supporters, and staff will be in comfortable student housing located on the campus of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. The University is located 34 miles (58 km) from the contest venue and 39 miles (63 km) from Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Fees for seven nights of housing in the dorms (dual occupancy) with breakfast and dinner each day are priced as indicated in the Bulletin. All rooms are paired in suites, with shared bathrooms. Rooms will be available for families that wish to be housed together. Cafeteria-style breakfast and dinner choices will be available for participants who choose this housing option.

Participants who prefer more traditional hotel arrangements will have the opportunity to choose from many options offering a wide range of amenities and prices. Southwestern University will also host the Opening Ceremonies for the Championships, as well as most of the Awards Ceremonies.

Southwestern University is located within walking distance of a very vibrant restaurant, bar, and shopping district. Additional information concerning housing and food service will be published with Bulletin 1 in January, 2023.