Anyone travelling to Germany for the first time will find useful information here on various topics such as visas, currency and climate.
Berlin has a continental climate with cold winters, hot summers and fairly mild autumns and springs. The average temperature is about 15°C/59°F. Rain can fall all year round and it is always a good idea to bring an umbrella.
The Euro is the legal currency of Germany and the 18 other members of the European Union (EU). Euro bank notes are identical in every country of the EU but the Euro cent coins have a common design on one side and a nation-specific theme on the other. The Euro consists of seven banknotes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 EUR), each of a different colour and size. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and there are eight different denominations of the Euro coin: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 and 2. The 1 and 2 Euro coins are a combination of gold- and silver-coloured metals whereas the 10-, 20- and 50-cent coins are gold coloured and the 1-, 2- and 5-cent ones copper coloured.
The standard voltage in Germany is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets are type F. Whether or not you need an adapter or converter depends on the voltage, frequency and plug type in your home country.
German is the official language in Germany. Because the congress is an international event, English will be the main language. However, there is also a German programme section.
The German capital is considered as very safe in comparison with other metropolises.
Smoking is prohibited in public spaces and restricted to specific areas.
The best way to get there. Pay as little as EUR 49,50 (one-way) with the Event Ticket. An excellent offer: use sustainable transport and relax while you travel. Get the best price ticket with Deutsche Bahn. That special extra for you. Your Event Ticket at a single nationwide price, available at every DB station to Berlin.
Your ticket is valid from 6th to 14th October 2017.
Book your ticket online now and to get the guaranteed lowest price. We will provide you with an overview of all rail services on the route you're interested in.*
You can make the most of your travel time by using your journeys to and from your destination for work, relaxation or enjoying our on-board services. You can also rest assured that your long-distance travel is completely powered by electricity generated by renewable resources.
*You can buy your ticket by phone: just contact our service number 1806 - 31 11 53 and use the keyword "WCP 2017". Make sure you have your credit card to hand for payment (please note that Deutsche Bahn AG levies a surcharge for all credit card payments in accordance with the conditions of carriage for persons travelling with Deutsche Bahn AG companies ("BB Personenverkehr"). The service hotline is open Mondays to Saturdays from 7am to 10pm. There is a charge of EUR 0,20 per call from a German landline and a maximum of EUR 0,60 per call from mobile networks.
CEST – Central European Summer Time, UTC +2
Tipping is common for a range of services in Germany. In restaurants the standard tip is 10 % to 15 % of the total bill. It is also appropriate to tip taxi drivers, tour guides and hairdressers.
An identity card is sufficient for participants from EU-member countries. All other participants need a valid passport to enter the European Union. Visa may be required for participants from some countries. For specific information, please contact the nearest German embassy at least twelve weeks prior to your departure.
Invitation letter for visa applications
International participants may need a letter of invitation from the congress organiser in order to obtain a visa for entry into the European Union. We kindly like to inform you that the organiser will not be able to contact or intervene with any German embassy or consulate office abroad on your behalf. This procedure is intended to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the WPA XVII WORLD CONGRESS OF PSYCHIATRY. Please note that it is not an official invitation covering fees and/or any other expenses or financial support. Thank you for considering.
Please start the visa application process as early as possible and at least twelve weeks prior to your departure. The organiser is not to be held responsible for the outcome of your visa application.
When you register, please tick the appropriate box to indicate that you require an official letter of invitation. Passport number, date of birth, issue and expiry date will need to be filled in. You will receive your official letter of invitation automatically by email (attachment). Invitation letters will not be sent by mail. If an express delivery is required, the participant shall order a courier at his/her own expense.
The registration fees are refundable should the visa application be denied. All refund requests will have to be received before the congress, by email to . No refunds will be made for cancellations received during or after the congress.
Tap water is drinkable in all parts of Germany. Bottled mineral water, both sparkling and still, can be bought everywhere.