Austin is the capital city of the State of Texas. Located in the very heart of Texas, it is easily accessible by highway from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other major cities across the state and nation.

Just 8 miles from Austin’s city center, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a modern and efficient facility, which is often praised for its great selection of almost-exclusively local dining options!

More than a dozen airlines fly to and from AUS daily, including non-stops to 50 cities and one-stop connections to hundreds more. AUS offers service to all parts of the United States and connection service to the rest of the world. Once you have arrived in Austin, airport transportation is available by taxi, charter, and public transportation, including CapMetro’s Airport Flyer.

Don’t care to fly? Amtrak provides train service to Austin via the Texas Eagle. MegaBus and Greyhound are also an alternative to flying.

Each year, thousands of people travel to SXSW from outside the United States. We know international travel can be tricky, so we’ve gathered some helpful information and links for you.

Flight Information

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport now offers non-stop international service to Amsterdam, Calgary, Cancun, Cozumel, Frankfurt, Liberia Costa Rica, London Heathrow, Mexico City, Montego Bay, Monterrey, Nassau Bahamas, Ontario, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, San José del Cabo, Toronto, and Vancouver. Several carriers have domestic flights directly into Austin but most international travelers will need to catch a connecting flight from the larger hubs around the U.S.

Check out the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date information to apply for your U.S. VISA.

Individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy will be required to submit an electronic application form, known as the DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Electronic Application form.

The VISA Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less, without first obtaining a visa, when they meet specific requirements. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. If you prefer to have a VISA in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) VISA.

For VISA Support Letters from SXSW, please contact one of the following with the subject line: "VISA Support Letter for [Name of Panelist, Film or Band]"

• SXSW Conference: sessions@sxsw.com
• SXSW Film & TV: filmfest@sxsw.com
• SXSW Music: musicfest@sxsw.com

If you believe that you may need an employment-based visa, for more information see www.artistsfromabroad.org. For pro bono legal guidance regarding U.S. visa requirements, please contact www.tamizdat.org/tamizdatavail/.

Questions?

Contact our International Representatives:

SXSW UK & IRELAND
Una Johnston
Phone/Fax: +353 505 36039 (Ireland), +44 20 7183 0259 (UK)
E-Mail: una@sxsw.com

SXSW EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA & ASIA
Mirko Whitfield
Phone/Fax:+49-(0)7071-943-8420
E-Mail: mirko@sxsw.com

SXSW JAPAN
VISIONGRAPH, Inc.
E-Mail: japan@sxsw.com

SXSW KOREA
Sunny Kim
Phone: 82 2 546 6836
E-Mail: sunny@sxsw.com

SXSW BRAZIL
Tracy Mann
Phone: +1-917-498-1825
E-Mail: tmann@sxsw.com

SXSW MEXICO, CENTRAL AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN
Arturo Vargas
Phone: +1-512-949-9335
E-Mail: arturo@sxsw.com

SXSW AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Andrew Watt
Phone: +61 419 110062
E-Mail: awatt@sxsw.com

SXSW CHINA
China Media Management Inc.
E-Mail: china@sxsw.com