Visas, invitation letters and customs for international exhibitors
If you're coming from outside the U.S., the visa timeline can matter more than any booth deadline. These rules come from each show's own 2026 or 2027 exhibitor pages, named in each rule. The U.S. embassy or consulate decides every visa.
Last checked Nov 6, 2026
What to know
- Start early
ISA Sign Expo 2027 notes that most foreign nationals need a U.S. visa to attend, and advises starting early, applying at the right U.S. embassy or consulate and using event materials to support the application.
ConfirmedISA Sign Expo 2027: FAQsChecked Nov 6, 2026
- The show can't get you a visa
PRINTING United Expo offers a visa support letter template in its Exhibitor Resource Center but says it can't promise anyone a visa, since the decision belongs to the embassy or consulate, and the State Department recommends applying well in advance.
ConfirmedPRINTING United Expo: exhibit (FAQ)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Your registration can be the letter
At ISSA Show North America 2026, the emailed exhibitor registration confirmation serves as the letter of invitation for a visa application.
ConfirmedISSA Show North America 2026: exhibitor resourcesChecked Nov 6, 2026
- Match your passport exactly
SupplySide Global has you request a visa letter while registering to exhibit, then download it from your registration dashboard once approved. Your registered name must match your passport, both for the letter and for badge pickup.
ConfirmedSupplySide Global: exhibitor FAQs (Informa)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- CES 2027: letters only after registration
CES issues a visa invitation letter only once your CES 2027 registration is complete and approved. It urges you to request the letter as soon as possible, book your embassy or consulate appointment as soon as it arrives, carry a passport valid at least six months past your travel date, and ask your local U.S. Embassy whether its commercial trade specialist is bringing a delegation, which CES says may improve your chances.
ConfirmedCES 2027: visa letter of invitation (CTA)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Bringing goods in: customs and carnets
JOGS tells international exhibitors to keep a detailed inventory, declare goods under the right HTS code, check country-specific tariffs before shipping and use a customs broker if needed. An ATA Carnet lets you import goods temporarily without duties, but it usually needs a deposit or bond, and anything sold or not re-exported in time can owe duties and taxes.
ConfirmedJOGS Las Vegas Gem & Jewelry Show: customs and dutiesChecked Nov 6, 2026