Citizens of the EU
For visitors from most countries, Germany requires a passport, which needs to be valid for at least 6 months. EU nationals do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany.

Non-EU citizens
All Non-EU citizens require a visa. However, a visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180 day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.

You may apply for short stay visas (Schengen Visas) at missions of the German Federal Foreign Office, such as embassies and consulates.

Please also visit the homepage of “Auswärtiges Amt” to find a detailed table of all countries requiring a visa and more information on visa regulations, as well as a list of German missions around the world.

Invitation Letter
An invitation letter for the purpose of obtaining a travel visa or permission to attend the meeting will be handed out on request after registration for the conference. For the invitation letter we need the following information of your passport: 

• date of birth (day.month.year):
• nationality: 
• passport number:
• expiry date of passport (day.month.year):
• place of birth (city, country):

If you need a letter of invitation in order to apply for a German visa, please contact the Symposium Office vie e-mail to: inmatdgm.de
After receipt of your passport details we will issue the invitation letter and send it to you by email.

Currency
As in most countries of the European Union, the official German currency is the Euro (€). Please note that there are no general bank hours in Germany. Most banks are open in the morning hours and just a few hours in the afternoon or early evening. Major credit cards are accepted at most cashpoints, stores, restaurants and hotels.

Telephone and Internet
Germany's international pre-dial is +49 (0049).
Public places like airports, universities, libraries, restaurants and cafés may offer "free"-WiFi Hotspots.

Electricity
The electrical power supply in Germany is 220v, 50 Hz, AC. Official plugs in Germany are:

• "Schukostecker" (round) Type F/ CEE 7/4
• "Eurostecker" (flat) Type C/ CEE 7/16

Time
Germany's standard time zone is UTC/GMT +1 hour. 

Current Local Time in Rostock, Germany

Arrival…

… by car
Rostock is strategically located, making it highly accessible by car via the extensive German autobahn network. The A19 and A20 motorways are the main arteries leading to Rostock, ensuring a smooth journey from any direction. Parking in Rostock is plentiful, with numerous options available in the city center and near major attractions. Daily parking rates vary, usually ranging from EUR 5 to EUR 10 per vehicle, allowing for a hassle-free start to your exploration of the city.

… by train and bus: Use the DB Event Ticket to book your journey!
For those preferring public transportation, Rostock is well-served by Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway company. The city's main station, Rostock Hauptbahnhof, is a key hub in the region, with frequent ICE, IC, and regional train services connecting Rostock to Berlin, Hamburg, and beyond. Upon arrival at the Hauptbahnhof, you can easily transfer to local buses and trams to reach your final destination within the city. The public transport network in Rostock is efficient and reliable, offering a convenient way to explore the city and its surroundings. For a seamless travel experience, consider using the DB Navigator app to plan your journey and purchase tickets.

… by Ferry

Arriving by ferry to Rostock is a popular option for travelers coming from Scandinavia and other Baltic regions. The city serves as a major port on the northern coast of Germany, with well-established ferry connections. These ferries are equipped to accommodate both passengers and vehicles, making them an excellent choice for those traveling by car.

• From Trelleborg, Sweden: Ferries run by Stena Line and TT-Line offer frequent services between Trelleborg and Rostock. The journey typically takes about 6 hours, providing a comfortable and scenic route across the Baltic Sea.
• From Gedser, Denmark: Scandlines operates ferries between Gedser and Rostock, with a shorter crossing time of about 2 hours. This route is ideal for travelers from Denmark and those transiting through the country.