Visa information

Information regarding the special immigration process which Mexican authorities have developed for AIDS 2008 delegates is now available online at http://www.aids2008.org/visas.

If you do not have a Mexican consulate or embassy that can issue a visa in your country you will need to apply, in person, at a consulate or embassy in another country. The complete list of Mexican embassies and consulates that can process visa applications is available on the Visa page of the website conference.

Please remember to check the requirements of the countries where you are transiting through on your journey to Mexico.

Any other visa or immigration-related queries may be sent to visa@aids2008.org. Conference organisers strongly encourage delegates who will require a visa to enter Mexico to apply early.

Important Visa Application Details

Procedure for delegates:

All delegates are requested to enter their passport details into the conference profile by June 20 (this date has been set to correspond with requests for a Letter of Invitation) and the data is shared with the Mexican authorities automatically. Delegates are urged to apply for their visa as soon as possible after 7 April, when the consulates/embassies will be fully informed of the procedure.

Visa procedure for media representatives:

All journalists, regardless of country of origin, must receive a visa to enter Mexico to report on the conference.
Detailed information about visa procedure for journalists is available on the Media Centre page of the conference website: http://www.aids2008.org/mediacenter

Transport to and from the conference

The conference will take place at Centro Banamex, the biggest convention and business centre in Mexico City. Centro Banamex is a large multifunctional facility located Northwest of Mexico City (fifteen minutes away from the main hotel area).

Shuttle busses to and from Centro Banamex will be available free of charge from designated pick-up points close to official conference hotels or from designated underground stations. Delegates are urged to plan transportation well in advance as traffic congestion in Mexico City tends to be constant and is not restricted to early mornings and late afternoons. Delegates should allocate extra time in case of delays.

Detailed information is available on the Hotel Accommodation page of the conference website: http://www.aids2008.org/hotelaccommodation

Volunteers needed

The International AIDS Society (IAS), the custodian of the International AIDS Conference, is looking for 1,300 to 2,000 local volunteers from Mexico City and the surrounding region to help onsite at the conference in Mexico City in August 2008. Onsite volunteers at the conference will receive free access the conference sessions (a timetable will allow each volunteer to have time to attend a few sessions) and one free meal per day. The IAS is not able to offer any financial assistance for volunteers who are not based in Mexico City.

Persons from countries other than Mexico seeking to volunteer at AIDS 2008 will be required to meet Mexican customs and immigration requirements for visitors.

Detailed information is available on the Volonteers page of the conference website: http://www.aids2008.org/volunteers.

Related link:

• IAC 2008 website