Visa’s and Customs
A valid passport with a minimum of three months validity is required to enter the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A short stay visa may be obtained from the nearest representation of the Netherlands (Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates) or other Embassies authorised by the Government of the Netherlands to issue visas on her behalf. The official Schengen Visa Advisor provides information on whether a visa as well as what type of a visa is required by answering several questions.
Nationals from EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland do not require a visa to enter the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Travel
International air traffic to Maastricht arrives at and departs from Maastricht Aachen Airport, which is located 12 kilometres from the city centre. A direct shuttle bus (Line 30, Maastricht-Sittard, operated by Arriva) brings you from the airport to Maastricht main railway station. Taxi services are available as well, and can be booked online here. More information about the facilities of the airport is available here.
Venue
The Flood Knowledge Summit 2022 will be held at UNU-MERIT:
UNU-MERIT
Boschstraat 24
6211 AX Maastricht
The Netherlands
Tel:+ 31 (0)43 388 4400
Email: info@merit.unu.edu
Website: https://www.merit.unu.edu/
Additional Information
Languages
Dutch is the official language of the country, which is used for official communication by the government as well as in schools. The overall majority of Dutch citizens will be able to understand and converse in English.
English will be the official language of the Flood Knowledge Summit 2022.
Climate and Clothing
The Netherlands enjoys a mild maritime climate and the average high temperature during Summer ranges between 20° C (68° F) and 25° C (77° F). Light clothing is advisable with warmer clothing for the evenings and nights.
Currency
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency. The average exchange rate is 0.89 EUR for 1.00 USD. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any Forex Bureau in the country or at some commercial banks. All ATMs accept Visa and/or Mastercard.
Electricity
Outlets in the Netherlands are of type C and F, the standard outlet type for the majority of Europe. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50 Hz. A plug adapter and a step-down transformer will be necessary when your appliances use a lower voltage and/or another type of plug.
Health and Insurance
The Netherlands has lifted nearly all coronavirus measures. Face masks are still to be worn at airports beyond the security checkpoint and in airplanes. More information can be found here.
It is recommended that participants take out insurance in their home country to cover pre-journey cancellation for personal reasons as well as necessary travel insurance to cover accidents, medical expenses, and loss of personal belongings for the duration of their visit.
It is safe to consume Dutch tap water.
Force Majeure
UNU-MERIT and its partners are not liable for any claims for damages and/or losses if the entire conference has to be cancelled due to a force majeure incident.
Disclaimer
UNU-MERIT and its partners are not liable for damages and/or losses of any kind which may be incurred by the participants or by any other individual(s) accompanying them, both during the conference as well as going to/from the conference. Participants and delegates are responsible for their own safety and belongings.