ISF International Security Forum

This section provides information on travel to and within Zurich, accommodation and the venue for participants of the ISF 2011. 

Venue

The conference takes place at the Kongresshaus Zurich, situated close to the lake of Zurich.

Hotels

The ISF Organization Team has pre-booked hotel rooms at special rates and will organize all hotel bookings and confirmation centrally for all participants.

Travel

Travel arrangements to and from Zurich for funded participants will be paid for and organized by the ISF and its partner organizations in close cooperation with the participant. Self-paying participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Taxis and airport shuttle buses are available for hire from the airport to the hotel. For traveling within Zurich, it is recommended to take public transportation or walk as most hotels are in walking distance. 

Visa Requirements

Participants requiring an entry visa to Switzerland are asked to handle their visa procedures personally. For information on visa requirements, and to verify whether you need a visa to enter Switzerland, please visit the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website. Please also ensure that the validity of your passport is sufficient for visa requirements.

If you have been invited to attend the ISF 2011, the ISF Organization Team will send a confirmation of your participation to the Swiss Embassy in your home country to support your visa request.

Registration

The registration desk will be located at the entrance of the conference venue. It will open at 11:30, Monday, 30 May 2011 and will remain open throughout the conference. Your personal badge will be handed out to you together with your conference pack. For identification and security reasons it is essential that you wear it throughout the conference.

Catering

Coffee break refreshments will be offered on all three conference days as well as during registration. Lunch on Tuesday, 31 May will be hosted by the ISF at the Kongresshaus. The official conference dinner will take place at the Kongresshaus on Monday evening, 30 May. There will be no official dinner on Tuesday, 31 May.

Internet

Wireless Internet will be available at the Kongresshaus. Participants are asked to bring their own laptop if they need to connect to the Internet during the conference. The login details will be provided when registering at the venue. An Internet Café will not be available.

Sightseeing

Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland offers a wide variety of attractions and contrasts: the Alps with its snow-topped mountains and cows, a Mediterranean feeling in the canton of Ticino, beautiful landscapes and well-preserved historical old cities and monuments. For more information on Switzerland's highlights, please visit the official website of Switzerland Tourism.

Zurich is the economic center of Switzerland and has one of the highest living standards in the world. The city offers an outstanding cultural and gastronomical diversity and countless possibilities for enjoyment, relaxation and recuperation. The Zurich Tourism website provides insights on Zurich’s highlights as well as ideas for alternatively exploring the city.

Weather

The end of May marks the beginning of summer but the weather in Zurich can still be unpredictable with occasional showers and cool nights.