Capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Marseille is undoubtedly a truly international city. It is the gateway to the Mediterranean, and main industrial centre in the south of France also the second French research centre after Paris. Marseille is the premier congress destination of the Mediterranean area.

Climate:
Marseille has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. In June the average maximum temperature is around 26 °C.

Electricity:
The main voltage in France is 230V, 50Hz. The standard two-pin European style plugs are used.

Time:
Marseille is in the Central European Time Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 1)

Shopping:
Canebière is the shopping district of Marseille which offers shops of all kinds.
Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Diners Club etc.).

Tipping:
Cafes and restaurants in France directly include a 15 percent service charge in your check. This is required by French law as tips are assessed for taxation purposes.

Visa Requirements / Letters of Invitation:
France is a member of the European Union (Schengen)
Passport holders from a Schengen country as well as from North America, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and Australia do not need a visa to enter Spain.
Citizens of some non-EU countries may need a visa. Check passport and visa requirements in due time before your departure.
For further information, please contact the Frenche Embassy in your specific country or visit the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs France.

Letters of invitation required to meet administrative and legal regulations of some countries are issued upon request. In order to obtain your letter of invitation, please contact the conference organisers at ests2011@mondial-congress.com. Please note that full meeting registration and payment of the registration fee needs to be received by Mondial Congress & Events before a letter of invitation can be issued.

Such letters should not be construed as a financial commitment on the part of the organisers.
Please note that in various countries, the visa application procedure can take up to several months. Therefore, an early application is recommended.

Insurance and Liability
Delegates are advised to arrange health and accident insurance prior to travelling to the Conference. ESTS is not responsible for any personal injury, loss, damage, accident to private property or additional expense incurred as a result of delays or changes in air, rail, sea, road or other services, strikes, sickness, weather or any other cause.