Location

Important: Click here for information on visa requirements for travel to the USA.

The conference will take place at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort in Florida, USA. Located on 10 beautiful acres of white sandy beach, overlooking the picturesque Gulf of Mexico. The hotel is just a short drive from Tampa International and St. Petersburg / Clearwater Airports.

The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is just a short distance from numerous attractions and activities in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area of Florida. Visit the Florida and Clearwater Aquarium, experience a thrilling adventure at Busch Gardens or watch top baseball athletes at work at the training camps of the Bluejays, Phillies and Yankees.

New rules for international travelers to the US

The US Department of Homeland Security has initiated a new rule for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries travelling to the US. The 27 VWP countries include most of Western Europe as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore.

Starting January 12, 2009, visitors from these countries will be required to complete an application prior to travel to the US for the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. From August 1, 2008, VWP visitors may submit voluntary applications.

Visit the Department of Homeland Security Web site for a summary of the new rule, as well as a fact sheet and FAQs. These links will open in a new window.

Travel advice for H1N1 Virus

On 11 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the alert level for the H1N1 virus (known as 'swine flu') to phase 6. ICMOBT is continuing to monitor the situation carefully.

The WHO states that it does not recommend a restriction on travel (http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/travel/en/index.html) and the ICMOBT conference will go ahead as planned in Florida, USA, December 2009.

The WHO gives some advice on recommended guidelines for travellers on their website - http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/guidance/individuals/en/index.html. 

We recommend that all participants have appropriate health insurance policies in place when travelling.