Visa Information
For International Participants
If you are travelling from outside the EU to ICYMARE 2026 BREMEN in Germany, you may need a visa to attend. Here are answers to common questions and some tips to help you with the process.
That depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. Participants from EU or EEA countries usually don’t need a visa. Others may need to apply for a Schengen Visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany.
Refer here for a list of visa requirements / exemptions per country. The Visa Navigator provided by the Federal Foreign Office may also assist you in finding the right visa for your purpose.
In most cases, a short-stay Schengen visa is the right choice for business or conference purposes. This visa covers your travel to Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa processing times can vary a lot depending on where you live. We recommend applying as soon as possible (but at least 8 – 10 weeks before you plan to travel) just to be safe. In some instances, you will need to make an appointment at the embassy and scheduling this may be a crucial timing factor, so better plan ahead!
Requirements differ slightly from one country to another, but most embassies will ask for:
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- Passport photos
- Proof of accommodation and travel plans
- Evidence that you can cover your expenses while in Germany
- A conference invitation letter (see below for details)
We’re happy to help with your application, but there are limits to what we can do.
What we can do:
- Issue an official invitation letter once your participation is confirmed and any applicable fees are paid.
- Provide all details regarding your participation and conference details in the official invitation letter (e.g., purpose of the conference, dates, venue, your role in the conference, etc.).
- Offer general advice on how to approach the visa process.
What we cannot do:
- Speed up or influence visa processing.
- Provide financial guarantees, sponsorship, or cover your travel costs.
- Take any personal or legal responsibility for visa refusals, travel issues, or related costs.
- Offer legal advice or communicate directly with embassies on your behalf.
Once your participation in the conference is confirmed (either as a session host or as a presenter), please send an email to moc.e1769907410ramyc1769907410i@tca1769907410rtsba1769907410 with the following information:
- Your full name (as shown in your passport)
- Your passport number and nationality
- Your institutional affiliation and position
- Your private address as shown in your passport
- Title of your accepted presentation (if applicable)
- Title of the session your presentation will be featured in (if applicable)
- Planned dates of travel
We’ll send your signed invitation letter (as a PDF) within 10 working days.
An invitation letter is not a guarantee that your visa will be approved. All visa decisions are made by the relevant German embassy or consulate, and the ICYMARE conference committee cannot be held responsible for visa outcomes or potential lost travel expenses.
We understand that applying for a visa can be stressful, and we’ll do our best to provide timely documents and guidance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!