Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, the capital of the Macedonia region, and an important educational hub with 4 large scale institutions, among which Greece's largest university, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
It is considered Greece's cultural capital, renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general and has recently been ranked by National Geographic Travel in the top 10 Nightlife Cities.
More importantly, it is also a city with a continuous 3,000-year-old history; preserving relics of its Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman past and of its formerly dominant Jewish population. Many of its Byzantine churches and a whole district of the city in particular, are included in UNESCO's World Heritage list. For more information about the city's identity, as well as facts and figures please visit the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau's website.
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Visa Information
Travellers are urged to consider whether they need a visa to travel to Greece to participate in a conference or meeting. Foreign citizens can enter Greece with a valid passport and a visa or residence permit unless otherwise stipulated by law or international agreement. Any foreign citizen who by the law does not need a permit to enter the country may stay in Greece for not more than 90 days in six months. Greece has been part of the Schengen zone since 2000.
This website clearly outlines the steps to take:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/how-to-apply-schengen-visa/
A visa will cost €80 and is easily applied for via the above website. You can hopefully avoid needing to use any agency in your country that charges more than that.
Documents you will need:
- Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
- Two recently taken photos, taken within the last three months, according to the visa photo requirements.
- A valid passport. Not older than 10 years, and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Older passports with visas on them (if you have any).
- Round trip reservation or itinerary. It must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.
- Travel insurance policy. A document that proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency such as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen.
- Proof of paid visa fee. €80 for adults and €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.
A country-specific visa information (requirements by country registry) is provided at the Greek Government website
If you require an official confirmation letter for personal arrangements, please log in into your ISSUP account and go to 'My ISSUP', where you will find a 'Download ISSUP Thessaloniki 2024 confirmation letter' link in the 'My Membership' section.
Disclaimer: ISSUP is not responsible for any process to obtain a VISA to participate in the event.
Accommodation
Thessaloniki has a large number of 5* Hotels and a smaller number of 4* Hotels. However, prices are relatively low compared to most other European cities. The city’s 5* hotels offer exceptional hospitality and luxury facilities (such as outdoor swimming pools) at very reasonable prices. Therefore, they make for an advantageous value-for-money choice.
There is an abundance of 3* hotels in central spots that also serve for a quality stay at much lower rates. Additional units are available in pensions, bed & breakfast, short-let apartments (and Airbnb), youth and student hostels, and private rooms.
Many are centrally located and are either within walking distance or up to 4 km from the city centre and the conference venues.
For conference participants and guests, there are hotel recommendations below for different distances from the venue and different price categories.
You may contact directly the hotels to make your reservation. Please bear in mind that the rates do not include stay over government tax per room, per night, which varies in each category and you will be informed by the hotel.
Other Options
Currency
The Greek currency is the Euro (€). The majority of stores accept international credit and payment cards. There is also a wide network of ATMs where you can withdraw cash.
Useful Links
Discover Greece - Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki on Wikipedia
Things to do in Thessaloniki - Tripadvisor
Greece Is - Experience Culture, Gastronomy & More
Weather - Climate
The climate in Greece is typical of the Mediterranean climate, which is mild and rainy winters, relatively warm and dry summers with, generally, long sunshine duration almost all the year.
The northern areas of Greece have a transitional climate between the continental and the Mediterranean climate. In the summer the climate is very warm around Thessaloniki. The mean temperature average in June is 26°C.
More details here: https://www.meteo.gr/cf-en.cfm?city_id=1
Important Telephone Numbers
| Police | 100 |
| European Emergency Number | 112 |
| Fire Emergency | 199 |
| Ambulance | 166 |
| Thessaloniki Tourist Police | 2310 554871 |
| Thessaloniki Traffic Police | 2310 250740 |
| Port Authorities | 2310 593134 |
| Poison Control Center | 210 7793777 |
For local amenities like accommodation, stationary services, and more – Click Here
Click Here For More Info On Getting Around The City