Good to Know

Entry Formalities

All foreign visitors to the Czech Republic must possess a passport valid for at least the next three months. Participants requiring visa should apply in advance to consular offices of the Czech Republic or diplomatic missions in their countries in order to avoid delay in travel to the Congress.

Passport and visa requirements

The visitors from non-EU countries must possess a passport valid for at least three months ahead. Participants requiring a visa should apply immediately to the consular office or embassy of the Czech Republic in their country in order to avoid inconvenience. Please note that the visa application procedure can take up to two months. For more detailed information please see: www.mzv.cz

The Congress Secretariat assists the delegates by processing the official invitations on request.
These letters do not commit the Local Organizing Committee to any financial obligation.

Contact the embassy and ask which of the following documents they require to issue a visa for you for the congress: Official invitation by congress organizers or Official invitation by the Foreigners´ Department of the Czech Police.

Official invitation by congress organizers – information needed:

Your full name
Date of birth
Place of birth
Country of citizenship (country which issued your passport)
Number of your passport
Date of expiry of your passport

Official invitation by the Foreigners´ Department of the Czech Police – information needed:

Your full name
Date of birth
Place of birth
Country of citizenship (country which issued your passport)
Number of your passport
Date of issue of your passport
Date of expiry of your passport
Permanent address

The official invitation by the Foreigners‘ Department of the Czech Police is chargeable of fee 95 EUR.
As soon as the required data are received and the registration and accommodation fees are paid, the Congress Secretariat will start the procedure of issuing the official invitation for you. The procedure usually takes a few weeks. When the official invitation is ready, it will be sent to you by post or express delivery service. You shall then present it at the Czech embassy in your country and get visa for the Congress.

Weather

The climate is a mixture of ocean and continental influences. The weather at the beginning of June in Prague is usually warm with temperatures around 20–27 °C (70–80 °F) and somewhat humid. Sudden showers and thunderstorms are common, so bring an umbrella or be prepared to dash for cover.
You can check the actual weather condition in the Czech Republic on the website www.weather.com

Health Care

Vaccinations are not required to enter the Czech Republic. An individual travel and health insurance is recommended.

Insurance

The organizers can accept no liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to the Conference participants, either during or as a result of the event. Participants are advised to take out proper travel and health insurance before departing from their home country.

Electricity

The Czech Republic uses a 220 volt 50Hz system, sockets have the European standard and plugs are three-prong grounded.

Time zone

The Czech Republic is on Central European Time – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 1 hour. From April to October is summer time, i.e. GMT + 2 hours.

Currency and Exchange Rates

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown = Česká koruna (CZK = Kč) which is subdivided into 100 hellers (h.). International credit cards are accepted for payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Exchange offices and ATM machines are easily available throughout the city and at the Prague International Airport. Payment in cash in EUR is also available in some restaurants and shops, please ask for details on-site. You can find the official exchange rates on the website of the Czech National Bank.

Shopping

Most shops in Prague are open from 9:00 to 18:00, Monday till Saturday. Shops in the city centre are usually open from 9:00 to 20:00, Monday till Sunday.

Tipping

Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants but tips are welcome. If you consider the service good enough to warrant a tip, we suggest about ten percent.

Czech language

Even though at all the hotels, shops and restaurants in Prague are English spoken, we include a few basic Czech words and sentences that can be useful during your stay in Prague.