Language

English is the ECHSA2026 official language. No simultaneous translation is provided.

Time
 Leuven is at UTC/GMT +2 hours during the Meeting dates. The official time zone for Belgium will be officially announced, as required for all EU countries.

Electricity
The electrical power supply “voltage” in Leuven is: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada: 110-120 Volts).

Telecommunications
There are 3 main GSM operators in Belgim that you can roam with: Proximus, Orange Belgium, Telenet. The protocols for digital mobile telephone transmissions are based on GSM technology, operating at the frequencies of 900 and 1800 MHz. Please contact your provider for further details.

Emergency Telephone Numbers
• European Emergency Number (Fire, Ambulance, Police): 112
• On-call Doctor (Outside business hours): 1733
• Police: 101
• Poison information center: 070 245 245

Banking & Currency Exchange
Euro is the official currency. Banks’ typical working hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Tipping
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Belgium. Instead, it’s seen as a gesture of appreciation for a good experience. While not required, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service in restaurants or bars. For details on tipping visit this link.

Climate
June in Leuven is usually sunny with some possibility of sporadic showers. The average temperature in Leuven in June for a typical day ranges from a high of 71°F (22°C) to a low of 52°F (11°C). The general area may also feel breezy.

Liability and Insurance
Registration fees do not include participants’ insurance against personal accidents, sickness and cancellations by any party, theft, loss or damage to personal possessions. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance. ECHSA and the ECHSA2026 Organizing Secretariat Convin SA accept no liability.

Visa Requirements/Letter of Invitation
Belgium is a member-state of the European Union and has signed the Schengen Treaty. While traveling within the European Union, EU citizens only need their identity card. However, a passport may be necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc. Visas are not required by European citizens from countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Belgium, as a member of the Schengen Treaty, has abolished controls on common internal lands, at air and sea borders and allows Member-State citizens to travel around without a Visa for a short stay period of up to three (3) months. However, keep in mind that airlines and other carriers require a valid passport and/or identity card. Citizens coming from countries that have not yet joined Schengen Area may require a Visa to enter Belgium. EU visitors from these countries can acquire further information from the Belgium Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or from their travel agencies. Before visiting Belgium, please consult the detailed information on Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and find out whether you require a Visa and, if so, how to apply for one.

Embassies and Consulates in Belgium
Visa regulations depend on your nationality and country of origin. Please contact your local Embassy / Consulate for full and official instructions on the specific visa regulations and application procedures that apply to you. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa, if required. Individuals requiring an official Letter of Invitation, or need any information regarding visa procedures can contact the Organizing Secretariat. The Letter of Invitation does not financially obligate the Meeting organizers in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the Meeting are the sole responsibility of the attendee.

* The Letter of Invitation will be sent only upon completion of registration and payment.