TRAVEL INFORMATION

VISAS

NO passport needed for US travelers, however you must always travel with a valid ID, such as a driver license or a state ID card.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not require a visa to visit Spokane. However, citizens from 41 countries can travel to the United States, including Spokane, for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens from over 140 other countries, primarily in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and much of Latin America, must obtain a non-immigrant visa to visit Spokane for either business (B-1) or tourism (B-2) purposes.

  • Applying for a US tourism visa has essentially two steps: submitting a DS-160 form application and submitting to an interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate.

    You need a passport, a digital passport-style photo, plus your travel itinerary and travel history to complete your DS-160 form. You might need additional supporting documents about your visit’s purpose, profession and salary.

    Once you've finished the application, print out your confirmation page – you'll need it to make a payment and for your interview. Each official US embassy webpage details the protocol for paying your application fee and making an appointment.

    While some embassies require bank transfers or in-person payments, most will redirect you to third-party websites like Official US Visa Information and Appointment Services or UsTravelDocs to pay the non-refundable US$185 fee for non-immigrant visas. Both websites allow you to schedule appointments at a US embassy, the second step in your visa application process.

    For the in-person interview, you must submit the following:

    • Passport

    • A printout of the DS-160’s confirmation page with ID number

    • Printed recent passport-style photo

    • Receipt or evidence of visa fee payment

    • Copy of appointment letter

    • Intended travel itinerary

    • Supporting documentation (assets and employment proof, bank statements, etc)

    Your visa application process isn’t finished until you complete both steps. An additional reciprocity fee applies in some cases on the interview day. Once approved, your visa will be delivered to you via courier.

  • Invitation letters can be downloaded from your registration dashboard. This letter assists with your Visa application. You will be able to download an invitation letter once you have paid for your registration fee in full and have entered in your passport details.

    How to download the invitation letter:

    • Log on to the registration dashboard as a return registrant by entering your email and password.

    • Scroll the menu to the 'Document' section and select the button 'Enter Details'.

    • All required fields must be completed before a visa letter can be generated. Once the form is submitted, the option to download your PDF visa letter will appear on the main screen.

    Please email the Conference Secretariat if you are having difficulties downloading a Letter of Invitation from your dashboard.

FLIGHTS

  • Spokane International Airport (GEG) offers nonstop flights from key hubs including Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These routes are served by major carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American Airlines, Southwest, and Allegiant, with frequent daily departures. Thanks to these connections, travelers can conveniently fly into Spokane from both coasts and major Midwest cities, often requiring just one layover for longer domestic or international trips.

  • Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Society For Freshwater Science attendees.

    Please click here to book your flights.

    You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code  NM4S6
    *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

  • Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer 2026 Annual Meeting attendees discounted fares. To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ® using this link.

    Discount valid for travel 5/12/2026 to 5/25/2026.

  • Multiple rental car agencies operate from the Ground Transportation Center, located adjacent to the Concourse A/B baggage claim area.

    • Available at designated pickup areas at the terminal.

    • Estimated fares (via TaxiFare.org for comparison):

      • Standard (UberX / Lyft): $19.89–21.88

      • XL (larger vehicle): $22.62–24.88

      • Black (premium): $34.32–37.75

    • Curbside taxi service is available 24/7 directly outside the terminal—just follow signs to the main entrance.

    • Estimated fare: around $30 for a one-way ride to downtown; some sources estimate lower at $20. Trip time of about 16 minutes, covering roughly 8.8 miles (14 km)

    • STA Route 60 runs from Concourse A or C to downtown (Transportation Plaza), costing $2 per ride.

      • Frequency: every 30 minutes on weekdays, every 60 minutes on weekends.

      • Approximate travel time: 20 minutes to downtown, or 25 minutes specifically to the Convention Center via the Gold Line + short walk

    • The Gold Line (serving the Convention Center District) runs from the airport to the intermodal station, costing $4–$5, with trips taking around 18 minutes.

    • STA’s broader fare rules: a standard fare costs $2 for a two-hour pass, with discounted and fare-capped options available via the STA Connect system

The closest airport to Spokane, Washington, is Spokane International Airport (GEG). Located west of downtown, it is approximately 7.8 miles (12.6 km) by road from the Spokane Convention Center and serves as the primary airport for the city and the Inland Northwest region. The airport is easily accessible via I-90 and offers a range of traveler amenities.

getting around