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Traveling

Right in the heart of Europe, Brussels has superb air, road and rail connections. More than 60 million Europeans live within 300 km of Brussels, less than two hours by high-speed train. For those who fly in, it takes only 20 minutes from the airport to the city centre. And when you have arrived, it’s easy to move around the compact city, by public transport or on foot.

Brussel is in the center of Belgium. There are many ways to reach to Brussels:

Travel Documents

Please check that you have a valid PASSPORT and that you obtain a VISA if necessary. In case of doubt check with the Belgian embassy, consulate or representation in your area.

According to Belgian law you must always have your passport or identity card with you; other documents are NOT VALID to legitimate yourself.

Visa information: VISA for Belgium, or SCHENGEN VISA. Addresses of Belgian embassies and consulates.

Do you need an invitation letter?
Since you are not coming for a family or friend visit no, you don't. An official invitation letter is only needed if you are planning to stay at place of your acquaintances. If you are coming for the conference and your visa application dates are in accordance with the conference dates, it should be enough to present your proof of registration and hotel booking.

If the embassy strictly requires an invitation letter from the organization please send an email to emin.aksehirli+invitation@ua.ac.be. Do not forget to include your full name and post address. Text of the standard letter can be found here. If you need some additional information to be on the letter, please download this template, edit the contents and email back to emin.aksehirli+invitation@ua.ac.be in pdf and in an editable (.odt or .doc but not in .docx please) format.

Climate

Belgium has a temperate climate, but last years the weather in December has been relatively dry and mild (to our standards), with temperatures around 10°C, yet for the same price temperatures can drop to 5°C.
Rain and showers are not excluded. So, weather may be quite unpredictable and variable, but on average,

Currency

Since January 1st 2002, the official currency is the EURO (€).

Voltage

The voltage throughout Belgium is 220 V, generated at 50Hz. It is advisable to bring an adapter for any electrical equipment you have with you. Power outlets in Belgium.

Time

Six hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. One hour ahead of GMT.

Dress standards

Yes, be dressed.... Casual clothing will be perfect for all congress activities.

Smoking

According to Belgian law, it is forbidden to smoke in public places. Hence ALL congress facilities are non smoking areas. Also, smoking is forbidden in restaurants and restricted in pubs.

Insurance and disclaimer

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. All delegates must make their own individual arrangements with respect to travel, medical and other insurances.
The conference organisation will not take any responsibility for any participant failing to insure. Similarly, the conference organisation will not accept liability for damages of any nature sustained by participants or their accompanying persons or loss or damage to their personal property as a result of the ICDM conference or related events.