HA2025
TRAVEL GUIDE
for the 15th International Conference on Hyaluronan
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VISA for USA *(Potential Delays)
There are delays in getting a VISA in some countries, so be sure to apply early! Please check as soon as possible to determine if you need a VISA to enter the United States by visiting ustraveldocs.com.
For all travelers, coming from outside of the U.S., please be sure to review the updated recommendations, documents and support letters linked below.
The ISHAS organizing committee is looking forward to seeing you in St. Charles!
Travel By Air
Flights can be booked to either airport:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx - Chicago Midway International Airport (MWD).
https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx
AIRPORT ↔ QCENTER TRANSPORTATION
The most economical transportation option is through A-1 Airport Limousine Service. To book your ride, use the A1-Transportation link on the QCenter reservation site. You can also book your return trip to the Airport.
The pricing shown on are GROUP RATES and FINAL COST FOR INDIVIDUALS will depend on how many attendees will be sharing a particular trip.
Please provide your cell phone number or WhatsApp information to communicate with the dispatchers. They will ‘automatically’ provide a 25-minute window from the time of flight arrival to collect attendees for each group ride. Please notify the dispatchers if you are experiencing delay after landing and exiting the plane (eg. Immigration, Customs, etc).
Travel times by car from/to O’Hare Airport ~ 55 minutes and from/to Midway Airport ~ 1hr, 20 minutes.
By Car
The QCenter is a “Gated Facility”. Attendees must be registered to be on the property for security personnel at the Entrance Gate to grant you access.
If you are inviting another guest, e.g., to attend an evening event, please contact the Front Desk (at 630-377-3100 or email them at frontdesk@qcenter.com) so your guest(s) can be admitted by the Front Gate Security.
Free parking on the QCenter Campus is available throughout the week, both outside the Accommodation Building and Conference Building.
Exploring the St Charles and Geneva Areas
Please check these websites for evening dining information, Wednesday afternoon excursions, and relaxation options:
We will also have hand-out materials available with the on-site Registration Package, and the reception area staff can assist with restaurant reservations.
The Q-Center provides a shuttle service to and from Downtown St Charles. It holds 23 passengers, and shuttle times will be available upon registration.
Uber and Lyft are also available between the Conference Center and St. Charles Center (1.9 miles, ~5 minutes) or between the Conference Center and downtown Geneva (12.6 miles, ~12 minutes).
NOTE: Guests should order Uber or Lyft from the QCenter location. For pick-up and drop-off at the QCenter, the Front Gate Security will verify the name of the guest provided by the Uber/Lyft driver.
Fact sheet for international attendees of HA2025
We have had several inquiries regarding policy enforcement changes that pertain to United States immigration and travel, and we want to provide you with up-to-date information from Illinois Senator Dick Durbin’s office:
Travel to the US – Clearing Immigration and Customs at United States Entry Airports:
Attendees requiring a Visitor’s Visa:
We recommend that all international attendees begin their visa application process as early as possible to account for potential delays. The U.S. Department of State provides resources on visa categories, application steps, and estimated processing times, which can be accessed here.
For attendees applying for B-1 (Business Visitor) visa:
Please ensure that your application clearly states the purpose of travel, provides an official invitation letter* from the HA2025 organizing committee, includes documentation demonstrating ties to your home country (your employment verification), and establishes intent to return (i.e., return airline ticket). (NOTE: If this email link does not load on your computer, please copy and paste the contents from this PDF file.)
If you experience significant visa delays beyond normal processing times, please contact Daniel Bien in the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin immediately. (NOTE: If this email link does not load on your computer, please copy and paste the contents from this PDF file.)
Daniel Bien
U.S. Senate Aide
230 S. Dearborn, Suite 3892
Chicago, IL 60604
Tel: 312-353-4952
Daniel_Bien@durbin.senate.gov
The Senator’s office may be able to assist by inquiring with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. His office can submit congressional casework inquiries, though final visa decisions remain at the discretion of the Department of State.
Attendees from countries NOT requiring a Visitor’s visa:
Indicate on the immigration form that this trip is a PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS trip to attend HA2025 at the Q Center in St Charles, IL.
The HA2025 Organizing Committee will email you an invitation letter to the conference. Please have this letter and proof of your return airline ticket available to show to the Immigration Officer and Customs officers. (NOTE: If this email link does not load on your computer, please copy and paste the contents from this PDF file.)
Border Search of Electronic Devices at Airports of Entry:
Due to recent incidents involving entry of international citizens visiting the US, please be aware of the law permitting U.S. officials to inspect your electronic devices at ports of entry.
If you have additional questions regarding travel to and from the U.S., please contact us.