Visa information for IACAPAP 2026 participants
The 27th World Congress of IACAPAP will take place from 1–4 July 2026 at the Congress Center Hamburg (CCH), Germany.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and country of residence. We strongly recommend checking the official German government resources well in advance of your travel to ensure sufficient processing time.
Do you need a visa?
Not all participants require a visa to enter Germany.
- Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland generally do not require a visa.
- Citizens of many other countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Brazil) may enter Germany for short stays without a visa.
- Participants from countries requiring a visa must apply before travelling.
Use the official resources below to determine your individual requirements.
Find the Correct Visa and Where to Apply
The Visa Navigator helps you to quickly and easily find the visa you need to enter and stay in Germany. Answer a few questions about the purpose of your entry and get sound information on how and where to apply for the relevant visa.
Applying for a Visa
Most congress participants who require a visa will need to apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C), which allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa applications should be submitted as early as possible, as processing times may vary depending on your location and season.
Apply online via the Consular Services Portal, a central point of contact created by the Federal Foreign Office.
Invitation Letter
In most cases, an official invitation letter is not required for trade fair/conference visas. If requested by your local embassy, please contact the Congress Office at iacapap2026@cpo-hanser.de.