GENEVA AND TRAVEL GENEVA The second largest city in Switzerland, Geneva is located in the French-speaking Romandy region, on the Southern tip of Lake Geneva. Coined as the smallest of the big cities, Geneva is considered a truly interna-tional center. This is mainly due to the presence of numerous interna-tional organizations, including the headquarters of many United Nations agencies. It provides everything a European metropolis can offer without the drawbacks of distance, traveling time, pollution or chaotic urban planning. Geneva is an increasingly popular location for business and pleasure. WORLD 2009 participants are invited to enjoy the region’s tour-istic temptations. Visit www.geneve-tourisme.ch THE VENUE A fully-equipped, modern venue, Geneva-Palexpo is a world-class con-ference and exhibition center. Thoroughly experienced with international events of the highest caliber, the venue provides easy visitor access in close proximity to both the airport, train station and the city center. Geneva-Palexpo is a mere 10 minute walk from the airport, and only 5 kilometers from the city centre. Visit www.geneva-palexpo.ch ACCOMMODATION We strongly encourage participants to reserve accommodations as early as possible. To restrict intermediaries and ensure fair booking practices, a central reservations service is provided. Information is found online at www.itu.int/world2009 under: About; Accommodation. FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE GENEVA REGION The personalized entry badge to WORLD 2009 serves as a free trans-portation pass for all public transport routes in Geneva, whether trains, busses, trams or boats. It also provides access to shuttle services be-tween car parks and Geneva-Palexpo. VISAS AND ENTRY FORMALITIES Visitors to Switzerland are subject to Schengen regulations for entry and stay authorizations. For individuals requiring a visa, Switzerland will issue Schengen visas for a stay up to three months that are valid for the entire Schengen area. Please note that persons not required to hold visas previously may now be subject to visa requirements under the Schengen regulations – we recommend you make the necessary ar-rangements well in advance of your departure. Detailed information on whether you need a visa, and instructions on how to apply, is available on the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website at the following address: www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/merkblatt_einreise.htm