CONGRESS POSTPONED TO 4-7 FEBRUARY 2021
Following the extraordinary circumstances related to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and after thorough evaluation of the emergency situation globally, it’s with great regret that we must postpone the Congress.
The Congress is now to be held at the same venue, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from Thursday 4th February through to Sunday 7th February 2021.
This is not a decision taken lightly, but the health and safety of our delegates, partners and staff are our prime consideration and have to be prioritised over all else
For any further information, please visit our FAQ area.
Like most countries in the world Australia has documented cases of Covid-19 infections. Nonetheless, major public events are presently proceeding as scheduled in Melbourne.
The spread of Covid-19 in several countries remains a major concern, and Australia has instituted entry restrictions of foreign nationals from several countries. In addition, some delegates have had travel restrictions imposed on them by the institutions where they work, which means they are now unable to attend the World Congress.
This is an unprecedented state of affairs which continues to evolve rapidly. We are carefully monitoring global circumstances and examining the impact of any changes on the Congress. In order that you are fully informed I will provide frequent updates. I encourage you to visit this website regularly to ensure you have the latest information regarding the Congress.
Susan R Davis
President, International Menopause Society
Travel
Visa
to 5 months
Australia offers different VISA options for congress attendees. Note that obtaining a Visa for Australia is easy but may require high level of details and time. Make sure you apply on-time several months before the congress starts.
Note:
The Department of Home Affairs of the Australian Government did not defined yet any specific VISA cost refund policy connected to the extraordinary situation due to COVID-19 outbreak.
We are keeping the website of the Home Affairs Department monitored and we will keep you updated as soon as new information will be published.
In the meanwhile please find here below the answers we have just received from the International Event Coordinator Network of the Home Affair Department of the Australian Government.
If delegates have already applied for the VISA, what are they required to do?
Where delegates have already applied for the visa, they will be required to withdraw their applications. They can refer to the following link which will provide information on withdrawing applications: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/withdraw-visa-application
They will need to lodge another application closer to the date of the event (at least 4-6 weeks before the event).
If they have alreay paid the VISA and wish to claim a refund, they will have to satisfy the normal refund criteria which is available on https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/get-a-refund
Travel issues for Coronavirus
Regarding travel arrangements please note that Australia will deny, at least until March 7th 2020, entry to anyone who has left or transited mainland China and Iran within the previous 14 days, with the exception of:
- Australian citizens
- permanent residents
- New Zealand citizens resident in Australia
- immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents including spouses, minor dependants and legal guardians
- diplomats
Further info can be found on this link: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus
Regarding any concern about a potential virus threat, in Australia there have been 15 cases of Coronavirus with 6 recovered and all others stable. There are no specific warnings about the virus and no public health measures other than travel from Chine restrictions
If you would like to follow the state of art of the coronavirus in Australia you can check the link here below of the Australian Government:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Please note: the cancellation deadline for people coming from Mainland China, Iran, South Corea and Italy is 10 April 2020.
Travel
of special tariffs
Take advantage of special rates negotiated with our official partners Singapore Airlines and Skyteam
Book your tickets by yourself or ask to our official travel agent Cousins: they will be happy to take care of your needs.
Hotels
from the congress