"The Third Sector and Sustainable Social Change: New Frontiers for Research"
Universitat de Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
July 9-12, 2008
ISTR Eighth International Conference and
2nd EMES-ISTR European Conference in partnership with CINEFOGO

Visas

Applying for a Visa

Please be sure to check with your travel agent and or the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to determine whether a visa is required for your entry into Spain.  Most embassies and consulates around the world will allow people attending a conference in their country to enter with a tourist or visitor’s visa. Visa applications can be made in person or by mail. ISTR strongly encourages everyone to apply in person if possible, as the processing times are faster.

Foreign nationals intending to enter Spanish territory must have the corresponding visitor’s visa if the nature of their nationality means they are required to do so. The required visa for entry into Spain is the Schengen Visa.  The name “Schengen” originates from a small town in Luxembourg.  In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls.

Embassies and Consulates of Spain

For locations and contact information of Embassies and Consulates of Spain, please refer to the following website:  http://edit.mae.es/en/WebEmbajadasConsulados/.

Where there is no Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office in a particular country, a transit or visitor’s visa can be requested from the diplomatic mission or consular office which represents Spain in that country.  ISTR strongly recommends contacting the Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date and concise information.

Processing Times

Normal processing times for visas are two business days if the application is submitted in person, and one week plus mailing time if the application is submitted by mail. All participants are strongly encouraged to apply for their visas no less than 90 days in advance.

Letters of Invitation

For those who require a visa to allow their entry into Spain, ISTR is happy to provide a letter of invitation. To receive a letter of invitation, please send a written request to Amanda Grossman at ISTRBarcelona@jhu.edu, with your full name, address, organizational affiliation, fax number with dialing codes, and full passport details (passport number, issue and expiry dates, nationality, etc.).

These letters of invitation will only be sent when ISTR has received the delegate’s conference registration form and fee.

It can take up to three to four months to secure a visa; please allow ample time to secure your visa.