Visa Info

Do not delay in making VISA arrangements for entry into China. ISBI participants are requested to check with the Chinese Consulate or diplomatic mission in their home country for visa requirements. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required. Please note that the Chinese visa application process can take months, so make sure to plan ahead 3~4 months in advance.

For more information on the process for your home country, please go to http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/. For 72-hour Visa-free Transit, please visit http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/free-72hour/. For a complete list of all Chinese Embassies and consulates, including address and contact information, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC.

Conference Invitation Letter – Authors
If needed, please download the invitation letter via Papercept System to apply for Visa to attend ISBI’14.

To obtain a Visa letter: please log into the paper submission site as “authors” and follow the Option link for each paper;  click on Request an acceptance letter and complete the required fields. The system will then create the letter as a PDF visa letter that can be downloaded and sent with the application. You may need to have your hotel reservations and air travel completed before you apply.

Notes:

• As some of the Chinese Embassies require an invitation letter from a Chinese organization, please complete this letter with your information and color print it for Visa application.
• The ISBI’14 approval document from Chinese Academy of Sciences is available here, which can be printed as attachment to assist your Visa application.

Non-author/attendees
If needed, please complete this invitation letter with your information and download the ISBI’14 approval document. Then, color print both of them for Visa application.

U.S. Point of Contact Information (for visa application purposes):
IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference Secretariat,
445 Hoes Lane,
Piscataway,
New Jersey 08854-1331,
U.S.A.
Tel: +1-732-981-3451
Email: j.lotito@ieee.org

Flights

As the hub city in China, Beijing is easily accessed by all delegates. Delegates can find non-stop flights or one-stop flights to Beijing.

Arrival

Beijing Capital International Airport is the only airport for domestic flights in Beijing. It is located in the northeast part of the city 35 km to downtown and 40 km to the proposed site of the Conference venue. You are advised to change some Chinese money at the Bank of China Airport Service in the Terminal Building so as to be able to pay for a taxi and other minor costs. Then, you may easily get a taxi at the taxi stand outside of the airport terminal. The cost for a taxi from the airport to the conference venue is roughly RMB100 (about USD16), including the highway toll fee. Please make sure that the taximeter is turned on and remember to ask for a printed receipt from the taxi driver.

Climate and Clothing

Spring in Beijing comes in early April and lasts until the end of May. To visit Beijing in spring, you need to bring lightweight clothing such as long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, plus one or two jackets and sweaters. Generally, the spring in Beijing is warm, windy and dry. The temperature rises in the spring, but there is a sharp difference in temperature between day and night.

Currency and Banking

The official name for the currency of China is the Renminbi (RMB). It is denominated into the Yuan. Foreign currency can be exchanged for RMB at the airport, banks and hotels. Major credit cards are honored at most hotels. Banks usually open at 9:00 in the morning and close at 17:00 in the afternoon all working days.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220V, 50Hz AC throughout China. Major hotels usually provide a 115V outlet for electric razors.

Liability

The conference secretary and organizers cannot accept liability for personal accidents, loss or damage to private property of participants, students and accompanying persons either during or directly arising from the ISBI 2014. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to their health and travel insurance.