Every time you travel, there are a number of issues you should bear in mind to avoid problems.

First, remember that most countries require a visa, which you should obtain before leaving your country. In general, there are embassies or consular representations of the host countries of Codex meetings in your country, where you will be informed of the steps to take in order to obtain your visa. If there was no such body, you should go to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of your country, where you can receive advice on the procedure to obtain the visa you need to enter the destination country. Remember that depending on your country of origin and the destination country, the time for visa procedures may vary a lot. We therefore recommend that you should start such procedures as soon as your trip is approved.

Countries that have applied for funding by the FAO/WHO Trust Fund should monitor the process and check flight ticket reception in order to fly appropriately. Remember that you will generally receive your per diem at the venue of the meeting on the first day, in order to make all necessary provisions.

Remember that a competent body of your country should send the official registration form to participate as a delegate to a Codex meeting to the postal and email addresses that appear on the invitation circulated by the Codex Secretariat, well before the set date or 30 days earlier at least.

As for accommodation in the destination country, you should bear in mind that every hotel has its requirements, so remember to book in advance and ask about conditions. We recommend that you first go over the hotel lists that Codex Committees send before every meeting or ask the Secretariat of the host country whether they have a suggested hotel list - as these hotels usually have special prices for Codex participants.

Remember to find out how to get from the airport to the hotel. In some countries such transport can be extremely expensive, but whatever your option, bear in mind recommendations provided by official services at airports, or those suggested by the hotel where you will stay.

Along with the invitation to the meeting, some host countries send information on all these issues, which should be borne in mind.

If this is your first trip or you have any queries, we suggest that you check the official web page of Codex Alimentarius, www.codexalimentarius.net, and go to "Information for Delegates" (inside "Meetings and Events"), where you will find information to bear in mind when attending Codex meetings.

Other issues to consider when you travel abroad are WEATHER, CURRENCY, TIME DIFFERENCE and ELECTRICITY, which we suggest you pay attention to.

• As for the WEATHER, remember that seasons are the opposite of those in the other hemisphere. In order to learn about the weather of your destination.
  
• As regards FOREIGN EXCHANGE, there are usually bureaux de change at international airports where you can exchange money safely. In order to know the exchange rate between your currency and that of the destination country, you can visit this web site or other similar ones.
  
• TIME DIFFERENCES should be considered when planning your trip. Remember to check these differences before leaving.
  
• Remember that all countries do not use the same VOLTAGE, so you may not be able to use your mobile phone, computer, hairdryer, or shaver in your place of destination. In addition, countries using the same voltage may have different plugs. This link contains information about electricity and adaptors from different countries.

For other specific issues associated with the trip, the city of destination, etc., we suggest you visit the official web sites of the countries/cities of destination. If you still have questions, please contact us.