You will need a valid identity document to enter Switzerland. You may also need a visa. As Geneva is on the Swiss-French border, and many attendees find accommodation in (or transit through) France, you should also check whether you need a Schengen visa to enter France.

Visas for Switzerland

If you need an entry visa for Switzerland, you are advised to make the necessary arrangements well in advance of your departure – you will not be allowed to enter Switzerland without a valid visa.

To see if you need a visa, and for instructions on how to apply, please visit the IMES (Immigration, Intégration, Emigration Suisse) website at the following address:

http://www.auslaender.ch/einreise/visumvorschriften_f.asp

It is recommended that you apply for a multiple-entry visa, given that you may need to go in and out of Switzerland (into neighbouring France, for example) during the event.

Schengen Visa for France

If your accommodation is in France and if you need a visa, then you will have to apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa, as you will be crossing the border several times to attend the event.

To see if you need a Schengen visa, and for instructions on how to apply, please visit www.france.diplomatie.fr/thema/dossier.gb.asp?DOS=ENTERFRANCE. You may also wish to contact your nearest French Embassy or Consulate.

Letters of Invitation

In order to obtain a visa to attend the event, you may need an official letter of invitation (for visa purposes only) from the ITU. Due to the time required for processing the visa, requests for a letter of invitation should be sent by e-mail no later than 26 September 2003 to:

Ms Winnie NICOLAS-JOMARD 
Head, Administration and Protocol Section
ITU TELECOM
Place des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
e-mail: winnie.nicolas-jomard@itu.int 

Please include in the request your name, nationality, date of birth, title, company, street address, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers. Please note that we are unable to review requests with incomplete information. The letter of invitation will then be faxed to you for submission to the relevant Swiss/French Embassy or Consulate. We will also fax a copy directly to the same Swiss/French representation.