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All visitors to Portugal need a valid passport. Citizens of the European Union (EU) and some other countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Applications for visas can be made at Portuguese Embassies or Consulates in major cities around the world. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU APPLY FOR VISA WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR DEPARTURE DATE (3 months in advance is recommended). Further information about entry visas, Embassy/Consulate locations and travel to Portugal can be obtained in English at the following website: www.portugal.org.
The Conference Secretariat will be pleased to send an official letter of invitation upon request. It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential delegates raise travel funds or obtain a visa. It is not a commitment on the part of the Organizing Committee to provide any financial support. ISPCAN may require additional information from you before issuing an invitation letter for visa purposes. ISPCAN reserves the right to determine legitimacy of request. Invitation letters must be requested prior to 1 August, 2007. The Conference Secretariat will email, fax and post invitation via the standard mail service. Any express mail requests will require a minimum payment of 35,00 EUR.
November in Lisbon is mildly warm and sunny. The average temperature for late November is 17.2 ‘C (53.0 ‘F)
The EURO is the official currency of Portugal. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airports, hotels, banks or exchange offices. International credit cards are widely accepted. The exchange rate at the time of printing is 1.00 EUR = US$ 1.2 (update by using the currency converter at http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi ).
Smart casual attire for all congress sessions and social functions
Electricity is 220V, 50Hzs
There are several different ways for delegates to connect to the internet. Wireless is available in the Lisbon Convention Center. All Conference hotels have business centers with internet access. Internet is also available in rooms for an additional fee. Check your specific hotel for rates.
The official language of the conference is English with two sessions to be delivered in Portuguese. Simultaneous interpretation of all plenary sessions into Portuguese will be available throughout the Conference.
All delegates should be aware that there may be members of the media attending the Conference. Only those specifically delegated can speak on behalf of ISPCAN or AMCV. All access to the Conference by members of the media must be agreed in advance with the Press Officer. All journalists will be issued with media badges which must be worn. For further information please contact euroconf2007@ispcan.org.
Delegates are requested to use mobile phones with consideration for others, and to ensure that these are switched off during all sessions / social events.
The wearing of identification badges is mandatory and will be required for admission to all sessions, the exhibition and social functions included in the registration fee. Lost badges may be replaced for a fee.
Limited number of scholarships will be awarded to Developing Country (DC) scholars. The deadline for applications is 30 May 2007. For more information, please write to: events@ispcan.org. Priority will be given to professionals in nearby regions.
In order to promote the health and safety of all members, the Lisbon Convention Center does not permit smoking except in designated areas. Please check for signs indicating smoking areas.
Delegates with special requirements – dietary, access, accommodation, loop system, etc - should indicate their needs at the time of booking. Vegetarian options will automatically be offered for all meals taken at the Conference, consequently there is no need to specify this.
Portugal, like the UK, is on GMT time and GMT plus one hour in the summer. This means that Portugal time is always one hour behind the rest of Europe (CET).
Tipping in Portugal is customary. One should add 5 to 10% on to the total bill in a restaurant.
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