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Foreign National Visitor Access Information

Visitor Centers

Gaithersburg Campus

(301)-975-8686 
Open 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
At the main gate, W. Diamond Ave. and 100 Bureau Drive
 

Boulder Campus 

(303) 497-4433
Open 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (MT)
At the main gate, 325 Broadway
 

Foreign Nationals (Non-U.S. Citizens)

If you have questions or would like more information regarding a foreign national visitor/guest, please contact the Security Office at 301-975-3304. Foreign nationals working at NIST under the auspices of a NIST funding agreement (contract, grant, cooperative agreement or simplified acquisition) are considered Foreign Guest Researchers/Associates.

Only NIST employees may sponsor or host a foreign national visitor.

  • All forms of ID must be original, no photocopies permitted.
  • Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holding) visitors must present an alien registration card (green card) upon arrival.
  • Non-Permanent Resident visitors must present a valid passport (original only) upon arrival.
  • All foreign national visitors must be escorted in non-public areas.  

Visit three (3) days or less, or attending a conference of five (5) days or less:

  • Must be pre-registered in the Visitor Registration System at least three business days in advance.

Visit more than three (3) days:

  • Must be pre-registered in the Visitor Registration System at least 30 calendar days in advance.
  • Sponsor must read and sign Attachment 2 of DAO 207-12 Certification of Conditions and Responsibilities for Departmental Sponsors of Foreign National Guests.
  • Visitors must read and sign Attachment 3 of DAO 207-12 Certification of Conditions and Responsibilities for a Foreign National Guest.
  • All foreign national visitors must be escorted in non-public areas.  
Created March 14, 2023, Updated October 4, 2023