Travel & Visa Information

Visa Information & Requirements

Conference participants who require a Letter of Invitation for visa purposes are strongly encouraged to submit their request as early as possible to avoid potential delays or cancellations.

Letters of Invitation will not be issued after May 2, 2026.

Guidelines for Requesting a Letter of Invitation

  • Review Visa Procedures & Fees - Visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs for Visa Information and Procedures.
  • Start Early - Start early and plan accordingly. Be aware of the Global Visa Wait Times.
  • Register for the Conference - If you require a visa to enter the United States and need a Letter of Invitation, please complete your conference registration following the instructions posted on the registration options landing page. You will not be required to submit payment at this time. Register Here
  • Submit Your Request - After you have successfully submitted your registration application, please email your request to events@first.org.
  • Compliance, Review, and Processing Time - All requests go through vetting and reference checks. Approved requests will be contacted within 4-5 business days with a draft letter for review. Final signed letters will be emailed in PDF format within 14 business days after approval.
  • Registration Status - Your registration will remain in “Waitlist” status until your visa is approved and payment is completed. When ready to finalize your registration and payment, contact events@first.org.

Important Notes

  • The Letter of Invitation is intended solely to support visa applications and does not cover registration fees or other expenses.
  • Issuance of a letter does not imply financial support from the host organization or its representatives.
  • If you require a physical copy, you will be responsible for all associated shipping fees.
  • Requests for Letters of Invitation will be accepted until May 2, 2026.

We strongly recommend starting your visa research and application process early to allow sufficient time for processing.

Getting to Denver

Denver International Airport (DEN) is located approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver and serves as the city’s primary hub for both domestic and international travel. As the largest airport in North America by land area—and the second largest in the world—DEN offers service to 231 nonstop destinations, making it a well-connected gateway for travelers from around the globe.

Airport tip: All passengers arriving at Denver International Airport (DEN) who land at gates B or C must take the underground tram to the main terminal for baggage claim and ground transportation. Passengers arriving at gate A can choose to walk across a pedestrian bridge or take the train.

Getting to the Conference Venue

The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is a short car ride (50 mins) from the airport.

By Train

Want to take public transit to the conference venue? Head to the RTD A‑Line commuter rail at the airport’s Transit Center on Level 1. A train departs every 15-30 minutes, and the 37-minute ride to Union Station costs about $10 one way for a day pass. You can use it on all buses and rail within 3 hours of purchase. Once you reach Union Station, it’s a 1.5 mile walk to the Sheraton, or you can hop on the free 16th Street Mall Ride shuttle, grab a quick ride-share, or taxi from nearby stands.

Arrivals:

The A Line train departs Denver International Airport to Union Station daily:

  • Every 30 minutes between 4:12am - 5:12am
  • Every 15 minutes from 5:12 am - 7:27pm
  • Every 30 minutes from 7:27pm - 1:27am

Departures:

The A Line train departs Union Station to Denver International Airport daily:

  • Every 45 minutes between 3:00am - 3:45am
  • Every 30 minutes from 3:45am - 4:15am
  • Every 15 minutes from 4:15am - 6:30pm
  • Every 30 minutes from 6:30pm - 12:30am

Please see this link for the schedule of times and for more information on the A Line. I would also recommend watching this video. For step-by-step instructions on getting downtown, please see below:

  1. Once you obtain your luggage at DEN, follow signs for “Train to City” located on level 1 of the south side of the main terminal.
  2. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks at the bottom of the escalator/elevator to the right. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased via the RTD app. To do so, download the RTD app, then click Buy Tickets/Standard/Airport Day Pass. You do not need an account to do so. Tickets for the A Line cost $10 and are valid for 24 hours after activation.
  3. Ride the A Line to the last stop, Denver Union Station.
  4. Once you exit the train, walk towards the back doors of Union Station (directly in front of you) and walk through the station itself.
  5. Exit the front doors of Union Station and either take a taxi/Lyft/Uber to the hotel (pick up is right out front on Wynkoop Street) or walk to 16th and Wynkoop to catch the 16th Street FreeRide. The bus starts running at 5:21am and stops running at 11:52pm, with departures every 4-12 minutes (depending on time of day).
  6. Once you board the FreeRide, sit back and relax! The driver stops at every block and will announce which block is coming up next. Your stop for the Sheraton will be at 16th and Court. The hotel will be on your right!

Please see this link for the schedule of times and more information on the 16th Street FreeRide.

Ride‑sharing & Taxis

Taxi, Uber, and Lyft pick up is located on Level 5 of the airport just outside of baggage claim. Expected fares range from $50–$60 to the Sheraton depending on your arrival time and taxi demand. The ride to the city center is approximately 30 minutes. In the United States, tipping is customary, 15-20% of the fare.

Shuttle Services

Shared shuttle vans also operate from Level 5 of the airport. These cost roughly $18 one way and may make multiple stops before reaching the Sheraton.

Getting Around Denver

Public Transit (RTD)

Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs buses and light rail across the city and surrounding areas. The light rail is great for getting between downtown, the suburbs, and popular destinations. Bus routes are extensive and reliable. You can use the RTD MyRide app for digital tickets and real-time schedules.

Rideshares and Taxis

Uber and Lyft are widely used in Denver and generally cheaper than taxis. If you prefer a traditional cab, Yellow Cab and Metro Taxi operate throughout the city, and can be booked in advance or hailed at major hotels and transport hubs.

Bike and Scooter Rental

Denver is a bike-friendly city with a growing network of bike lanes and paths. You’ll find Lime and Lyft e-bikes and scooters available for rent through their app and are great for short trips around downtown or scenic rides along the trails.

Car Rental

If you're planning to explore outside the city (Rocky Mountains or Boulder), renting a car is a good option. Major rental companies operate out of the airport and downtown.