You should apply as early as possible – and at least three months before the conference – to allow sufficient time for processing. Be aware that delegates are not automatically entitled to a visa.  

Entry requirements depend on the delegate's nationality:

• Nationals from EU/EFTA countries do not require a visa.
• Nationals from all other countries can verify here (see the third column – Visa required for stays of up to 90 days) whether they require a Schengen visa or an ETIAS travel authorization or if they qualify for a visa waiver based on Switzerland’s country agreements.

Regardless of whether you require a visa, you must have a valid travel document that:

• Is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area
• Was issued within the past 10 years

Generally, the visa application process follows these steps:

1. Applicants must complete the Schengen visa application form.
2. You need to enclose with the application:
   1. Valid passport
   2. Proof of travel health insurance (minimum coverage EUR 30,000)
   3. Flight and accommodation details
   4. Your HIV Science Geneva 2027 letter of invitation
   5. Any other documents to support the purpose of your visit. You can obtain information on the documentation required and visa fees on the website of the appropriate embassy or consulate.
3. All documents must be authentic. Submitting forged or altered documents can result in immediate visa refusal, a multi‑year ban from entering Switzerland and other Schengen countries, and your future visa applications being flagged or automatically rejected.

To avoid delays, applicants should consult the website of their responsible Swiss mission well in advance to inform themselves about the visa procedures and documentation that must be submitted. If you have any questions, please contact the Swiss Embassy or Consulate where your visa application will be processed.

Your stay in the Schengen area (including Switzerland) may not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. However, you must comply with the validity dates and permitted duration indicated on your visa sticker.

Visa fees vary by nationality and mission. As a general guideline, Schengen visa fees start at approximately EUR 90. Please check the exact fee with your local Swiss Embassy or Consulate.

If your visa application is refused, you may request a refund (see FAQ below).

HIV Science Geneva 2027 letter of invitation

To receive a letter of invitation for HIV Science Geneva 2027 (HIVR4P 2027 and IAS 2027), delegates and students, postdocs and young persons must first register for the conference(s), pay in full and submit any required supporting documentation. Fully registered delegates can then download a letter of invitation directly from their conference account.

Please complete the following steps to download the letter of invitation:

• Log in to your conference account here.
• Click on your name at the top right and select “User account”.
• Update your passport information.
• Then, under the “Registration” tab, you will be able to click on the button to generate the letter of invitation, which you will receive via email.

It is important to note that this letter of invitation does not impose any financial obligations on the IAS. All costs associated with participating in the conference are the sole responsibility of the delegate. Furthermore, the letter of invitation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued for entry into Switzerland.

If you have submitted a scholarship application, please do not register for the conference separately. If your application is successful, the IAS will contact you and instruct you on how to register and receive an award and invitation letter by the end of March 2027.