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: nextgendgm.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 Hamburg, Germany

Arrival…

… by car
Hamburg's prime location in northern Germany makes it easily reachable by car, courtesy of the extensive autobahn network. The A1, A7, and A24 motorways are the key routes leading to Hamburg, facilitating a smooth drive from various directions. As you approach the city, you'll encounter the Elbbrücken bridges, offering a stunning first impression of Hamburg's impressive infrastructure. The city offers ample parking options, with numerous garages and street parking available in the city center and near major landmarks. Daily parking rates generally range from EUR 10 to EUR 20 per vehicle, providing a convenient start to your Hamburg adventure.

… by train and bus: Use the DB Event Ticket to book your journey!
For those who prefer public transportation, Hamburg is excellently connected by Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway service. The central station, Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, serves as a major hub with frequent ICE, IC, and regional trains linking Hamburg to cities like Berlin, Munich, and beyond. Upon arrival at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, you can easily access local buses, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (suburban trains) to reach your final destination within the city. Hamburg's public transport network is comprehensive and efficient, ensuring a hassle-free way to explore the city's diverse attractions. For a smooth travel experience, consider using the DB Navigator app to plan your journey and purchase tickets.