Traveling to the USA for the Convention
We are thrilled that brothers and sisters from around the world are planning to join us in Chandler, Arizona for the 2026 Maricopa Valley Convention (August 12–17, 2026). This page provides everything you need to know about entering the United States, understanding visa requirements for your country, and flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Please begin your travel planning as early as possible. Visa interview appointments can take several months to schedule at U.S. embassies and consulates — start this process well in advance.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter the United States?
Whether you need a visa depends on your country of citizenship. The U.S. operates a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that allows citizens of 43 qualifying countries to visit for up to 90 days without a traditional visa — but they must obtain an approved ESTA before travel. Everyone else must apply for a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Europe
Most Western & Northern European countries qualify.
Asia-Pacific
Select Asia-Pacific nations qualify for VWP.
Middle East & Americas
A small number of qualifying countries.
All of Africa
No African country currently participates in the Visa Waiver Program. All African citizens must apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa at their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Latin America & Caribbean
With the exception of Chile, all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean require a B-2 Visa. This includes Brazil, Colombia, Mexico*, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and all Central American nations.
*Mexico: Separate entry requirements apply; check with your U.S. Embassy.
Most of Asia & Middle East
Countries such as India, Philippines, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and most of the Middle East require a B-2 Visa (exceptions: Israel, Qatar, and the Asia-Pacific VWP countries listed above).
If Your Country Is on the VWP List: Apply for ESTA
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries do not need to visit an embassy, but they must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding any plane to the U.S. Do not wait until the last minute — apply at least 72 hours before departure.
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1Apply online at the official ESTA website
Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov (the only official U.S. government ESTA application site). Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees for the same service.
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2Have your electronic passport ready
Your passport must be an e-Passport (biometric chip), identifiable by a small camera symbol on the cover. Older passports without a chip are not accepted for VWP travel.
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3Pay the $21 application fee
The fee is $21 USD, payable by credit or debit card. Once approved, the authorization is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
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4Receive authorization and travel
Most applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. You will receive one of three responses: Authorization Approved, Travel Not Authorized, or Authorization Pending.
If You Need a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
A B-2 Tourist Visa is required for most visitors from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and parts of the Middle East. The process involves completing an online form, paying a fee, and attending an in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. Start this process as early as possible — interview wait times at many embassies are several months long.
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1Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill out the form at ceac.state.gov. You will need your passport, a digital photo, your travel itinerary, and work/education history. The form takes 60–90 minutes. Print the confirmation page with the barcode when done.
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2Pay the $185 MRV Application Fee
The non-refundable visa application fee is currently $185 USD. Payment instructions vary by country — check your nearest U.S. Embassy website for local payment methods.
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3Check Interview Wait Times & Schedule Your Appointment
Check current wait times at your embassy at travel.state.gov — Visa Wait Times. Many locations have wait times of 2–12 months. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
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4Gather Supporting Documents
Bring to your interview: valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, one passport-style photo, proof of strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family), and any documents showing the purpose of your visit (such as a convention invitation letter).
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5Attend Your Embassy Interview
A consular officer will review your documents and ask questions about your travel plans. Be honest, clear, and bring all supporting materials. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa affixed.
DS-160 form instructions: travel.state.gov — DS-160
Need a Visa Invitation Letter?
We understand that some embassies ask for documentation showing the purpose of your visit to the United States. To support our international brothers and sisters, Charity Tabernacle has created an automated process to provide official Visa Invitation Letters in less than 5 minutes by email.
Simply fill out the short request form below and you will receive your personalized letter almost immediately. You may bring this letter to your embassy appointment as a supporting document.
Request Your Visa Invitation LetterImportant disclaimer: This invitation letter is provided as a supporting document only. It does not guarantee, facilitate, or expedite a visa approval. All applicants must independently meet the entrance requirements and standards established by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their country. Final visa decisions rest solely with the consular officer at your interview.
Flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
The convention is held in Chandler, Arizona, approximately 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), one of the busiest airports in the Southwest United States. Sky Harbor offers nonstop service from select international cities and excellent connections through major U.S. hubs.
🌐 Direct International Flights to PHX
| Destination | Airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) | American Airlines, British Airways | Year-round service |
| Paris (CDG) | Air France | Seasonal service |
| Taipei (TPE) | China Airlines, STARLUX Airlines | Seasonal — Dec onwards |
| Cancún, Mexico (CUN) | American Airlines, Southwest Airlines | Year-round |
| Mexico City (MEX) | American Airlines, Aeroméxico | Year-round |
| Guadalajara (GDL) | American Airlines, Volaris | Year-round |
| Monterrey (MTY) | American Airlines | Year-round |
| Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | American Airlines, Southwest Airlines | Year-round |
| Los Cabos (SJD) | American Airlines, Southwest Airlines | Year-round |
| Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada, Porter Airlines, WestJet | Year-round |
| Vancouver (YVR) | Air Canada, Porter Airlines, WestJet | Year-round |
| Calgary (YYC) | Air Canada, WestJet | Year-round |
✈️ Connecting Through U.S. Hub Airports
Most international travelers will fly into a major U.S. hub and connect to Phoenix. The most convenient hubs with strong international connections to PHX are:
| Hub Airport | Key Airlines | Good for travelers from… |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) | American Airlines | Latin America, Europe, Asia, Caribbean |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | American, United, Delta, Korean Air, LATAM, and many more | Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East |
| Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | United, American | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Atlanta (ATL) | Delta | Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa |
| New York (JFK / EWR) | Delta, United, British Airways, etc. | Europe, Middle East, Africa, India |
| Miami (MIA) | American Airlines | Caribbean, Central & South America |
| Houston (IAH) | United Airlines | Latin America, Middle East, Africa |
Book Your Flights to Phoenix (PHX)
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