COVID-19 Protocols
Travel Regulations
For regular updates, please visit the following websites:
• Official Government announcements on travel protocols implemented for Greece: https://travel.gov.gr/#/protocol_air
• IATA Travel Centre: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php
Congress safety protocols
Click here for details (last updated: September 2020)
Language
English is the IMS2022 official language. No simultaneous translation is provided.
Time
Athens is at UTC/GMT +3 hours during the summer period. On April 2020, the official time zone for Greece will be announced, as required for all EU countries.
Electricity
The electrical power supply “voltage” in Athens is: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada: 110-120 Volts).
Telecommunications
There are 3 main GSM operators in Greece that you can roam with: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind. 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: 112
• Ambulance: 166
• Fire Department: 199
• Police: 100
• Tourist Police: 171
• General Telephone Information: 11888
Banking & Currency Exchange
Euro is the official currency. Banks’ working hours: Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Tipping
In restaurants and hotels, taxis or other services, tipping is optional and customized per case depending on whether you are pleased with the service. Approximately 5% of the bill is a good guideline.
Climate
August in Athens is sunny and hot. The average Athens temperature in August is 29°C (85°F), while the average low drops to 23°C (74°F), and the average high is a hot 35°C (95°F).
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. HMS and the IMS2022 Organizing Secretariat Convin SA accept no liability.
Visa Requirements/Letter of Invitation
Greece 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 is 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. Greece, 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 Greece. EU visitors from these countries can acquire further information from the Hellenic Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or from their travel agencies. Before visiting Greece, please consult the detailed information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and find out whether you require a Visa.
Note: During your stay in Greece, if you require a Visa, you are advised to have suitable insurance coverage for emergency medical or other needs.
Embassies and Consulates in Greece
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 Congress organizers in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the Congress are the sole responsibility of the attendee.
The Letter of Invitation will be sent only upon completion of registration and payment.