Travel to and from China
Beijing is served by a large number of airlines.

Representatives and other participants should make their own travel arrangements to and from Beijing.

GEF financial assistance to cover travel and daily subsistence is available as follows:
1. For two representatives from each Least Developed Country or Small Islands Developing State;
2. For one representative from all other recipient countries.

Requests for financial assistance should be sent to Ms. Lesley Wilson, Conference Coordinator, (Fax: [1] (202) 522-3240/3245; Email: lwilson2@worldbank.org;) no later than August 16, 2002. Upon receipt, the GEF Secretariat will authorize American Express Travel to arrange flight reservations and advances. Participants are urged to arrange their RETURN flight reservation before arriving in China in order to assure obtaining the flights and dates of travel of their choice.

The Travel Desk at the BICC will assist with reconfirmation of airline reservations, travel queries and related matters.



Passports and Visas
Visitors to China, without exception, must have a valid passport and entry visa. Participants should apply for visas from their nearest Embassy or Consulate of the People's Republic of China, prior to departure for China. Passports and a copy of the notification of the Assembly are required. Early application is highly recommended.



Customs and Immigration
The Government of China will expedite entry and customs clearances at the Beijing International Airport for those members of delegations and other participants who have provided the GEF Secretariat with their arrival date and flight number. The GEF Secretariat will advise the Government of China of participants expected arrivals IN THOSE CASES WHERE SUCH INFORMATION HAS BEEN SUPPLIED TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE. To facilitate expeditious immigration clearance, it is necessary to furnish the information requested on the registration form, including participant's name, country of issuance of passport, and arrival date and flight number.

Each participant is urged therefore, to complete and return the Registration Form to the IMMS.

Delegates should ensure that each piece of their baggage, including hand baggage, carries one of the special baggage tags that will be forwarded by the GEF Secretariat on receipt of the completed registration forms.

It is recommended that visitors declare portable computers to the Customs authorities upon arrival in order to avoid problems at the time of departure. Importation of firearms is prohibited.



Airport Arrangements
Reception on arrival and departure:

The host Government is making arrangements for reception and transfer of delegates to the designated hotels provided that information on their arrival is received two weeks in advance. The delegates are requested to indicate their travel plans on the registration form as early as possible. A similar facility will be provided at the time of departure.

The Airport Departure Tax is currently RMB-90.



Health Regulations
Participants coming from, or passing through, yellow fever zones require valid vaccination certificates. For specific information, participants may wish to contact an Embassy of the People's Republic of China.



Local Transportation
A special coach service will be provided for participants from October 12 to 15 and from October 18 to 20, 2002, between the airport and designated hotels. A similar facility will be provided for departures from October 18 through 20, 2002.

Shuttle bus service will also be available between designated hotels and the BICC, as necessary, as well as for official social events. The shuttle bus schedule will be posted at each hotel and at the meeting venue. Since traffic and parking may be congested or difficult during the meetings, maximum use of these buses is recommended.



Hotel Accommodations