Visa information

Nationals of all Western European countries can visit Spain without a visa; US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. For additional details and specific visa requirements, please contact the Spanish Embassy in your country.

Read full details on Spain's entry requirements and visas.

SPIE recommends that you secure your travel visa before registering for the conference, as cancellations after the preregistration cutoff date may result in a cancellation fee.

Requesting an invitation letter

In This Section

How to request an invitation letter - for authors and attendees only

Sign in to this site using your SPIE credentials (username and password)
After you are signed in, click on this link to go directly to the SPIE invitation letter request form page
Click on the “Apply” button to begin the invitation letter request form.

Complete one form per person (requests for accompanying family members can be included in the same application)
Your name must be listed exactly as it appears on your passport. Any differences could lead to delay or denial of your visa
Requests are processed based on the order received, and the date of the conference
You will receive an email from noreply@mail.smapply.net with a link to download a PDF of your official invitation letter after it is approved and processed. You should also make sure that the sites listed here, are allowed by your organization to ensure you receive the email.
Printed invitation letters are mailed by request only. Please allow up to four weeks for delivery
SPIE is unable to contact embassies or consulates on behalf of or in support of any individual making arrangements to attend an SPIE event

How to request an invitation letter - for exhibitors

To request an invitation letter, if you are an exhibitor at an SPIE event, fill out and submit the Exhibitor Invitation Letter Request Form

For exhibitors requiring a letter of invitation from SPIE to obtain a travel visa to participate in the exhibition
You must be listed as an exhibitor (or co-exhibitor) of this exhibition or your request will not be processed
Requests are processed and prioritized based on the order received and the date of the exhibition (usually within 3 weeks)
The invitation letter PDF will be sent via OneDrive with a link to access the Invitation Letter, and by FEDEX if requested
SPIE is unable to contact embassies or consulates in support of an individual attempting to attend an SPIE exhibition