As jfc kindly pointed out, the information on who needs a visa is conveniently available (in English, Spanish and French) at http://www.diplomatie.fr/venir/visas/ If a visa is needed, that site leads to a PDF file of the form and contact details for the relevant consulates. As others have pointed out, there is a standard way to get an invitation letter if needed, at http://www.ietf.org/meetings/invite_letter.html I strongly advise against waiting for a hypothetical waiver. If the above site says you need a visa, I advise applying for it immediately. French bureaucrats are not known for flexibility. Brian - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brian E Carpenter IETF Chair Distinguished Engineer, Internet Standards & Technology, IBM _______________________________________________ Ietf@xxxxxxxx https://www1.ietf.org/mailman/listinfo/ietf