Travel

VISA Information

Participants should check if they require a visa to enter the United States on the U. S. Department of State VISAs website.

Some foreign travelers, who are citizens from certain eligible countries, may also be able to visit the U.S. for business (e.g. attend a scientific conference) or tourism for 90 days or less without a visa if they meet the Visa Waiver Program requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization on-line through ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

If you require a visa to enter the U.S., we strongly recommend that you start the application process as soon as possible. View visa appointment and processing wait times.

Participants who require a letter of invitation from this event should contact the ICESS conference administration (icessorganizers@newsletter.lbl.gov) and provide the following information:





Getting to the Conference Hotel

Via San Francisco Airport

Most travellers will arrive at San Francisco International Airport, which is a major hub for US and international  airlines, with direct flights to US, Europe and Asia.  

The direct way to get to the conference venue from the airport is via taxi ($70-100 typically) or ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft for a bit less.  Uber and Lyft will pick up from level 5 of the domestic parking garage.  International arrivals may be picked up at the Departures/Ticketing level center island.  See this link for more information on rideshare pickup.

For the least price, you can also take public transportation from SFO airport (bus, 2 transfers) but it will take 2.5 to 3.0 hours in total.  We don't recommend this especially at night due to the long walk from the last bus stop to the hotel.

For an intermediate price, you can take the BART train from SFO to the West Berkeley Bart station (1.5 hour trip), and call a rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) to take you to the hotel.

If you are renting a car, please note that the hotel parking is not included in the conference pricing. The hotel charges $40 per night for parking.  For driving directions, please click this link.  It will take 30 to 60 minutes to drive, depending on time of day.

Via Oakland International Airport

Oakland's airport, while offering fewer direct flights from long-distance destinations, is a convenient entryway to Berkeley.

To get to the conference hotel, you can take a taxi (20-30 minutes) which costs about $95-120.

A cheaper option is to take a private ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft.  Pickup locations are conveniently close to the Airport entrance (third curb from door).

Renting a car is possible, but note that parking at the hotel is not included in the conference pricing. The hotel charges $40 per night for parking.  For driving directions, please click this link.