HIMSS Middle East- Health IT Leadership Summit

Q. What are the show dates for HIMSS Middle East Health IT Leadership Summit?
A. 15 – 17 November 2009

Q. Where will the conference be held?
A. Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat, Oman

Q. Where do I pick up my badge?
A. You can pick up your badge at the registration desk located in the foyer of the Barr Al Jissah Ballroom.

For security purposes, all attendees are asked to wear their name badge received at registration to all events during the Conference. Attendees without a name badge will be asked to obtain a new one from the registration desk.

Q. What are the registration hours?

A.	Monday, 16 November	08:00 – 18:00
	Tuesday, 17 November	09:00 – 15:00

Q. Is there an age limit at the HIMSS Middle East Health IT Leadership Summit?
A. Yes, all registrants (including spouses or guests) must be 18 years of age or older to attend the HIMSS Middle East Health IT Leadership Summit.

Q. Do I need to be registered for the conference before I can book my hotel at the HIMSS Middle East Health IT Leadership Summit rate?
A. No, but it is highly recommended that you register for both your hotel and conference registrations at the same time. Once you have registered for the conference, please proceed to the hotel and travel page at www.himssme.org/summit/travel

Q. How is the weather in Muscat in November?
A. In November, the average temperature is a high of 29 degrees C and a low of 21 degrees C.

Q. What kind of currency do I use?
The Omani Rial (OMR) is the official currency of Muscat. One rial is made of one thousand Baisa.

There are ATMs at the airport and plenty of them in Muscat and every main town, although not all of them take foreign cards. You can change foreign currency at the counters inside the airport and at money exchanges throughout Oman.

Q. Do I need a visa to enter Muscat?

Passport Required?		Visa Required?		Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	British	Yes	British	Yes


Australian	Yes	Australian	Yes	Australian	Yes

Canadian	Yes	Canadian	Yes	Canadian	Yes

USA	Yes	USA	Yes	USA	Yes

Other EU	Yes	Other EU	Yes	Other EU	Yes

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visa Notes:
(a) All nationals referred to in the chart above may apply for a single- or multiple-entry visa on arrival at Oman Seeb International Airport.
(b) Travellers who have resided in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for at least one year and who hold a valid residence permit and labour card may obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they meet certain conditions regarding professional status. Contact embassy/consulate for further details.
(c) For minors (under 18 years) travelling unaccompanied, a consent letter is required from one of their parents.
(d) Any other visitors arriving in Oman without a tourist or a sponsored visa will be refused entry. Visitors are not allowed to enter Oman by road unless their visa states such validity and a designated point of entry. A sponsored visa is obtainable from the Royal Oman Police Immigration Department.
(e) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements

Q. If I do need a visa, who do I contact to receive my Letter of Invitation?
A. To receive an official Letter of Invitation, please register and pay for the conference and then email The HIMSS Middle East help desk via e-mail at customerservice@himssme.org HIMSS can only provide a Letter of Invitation and proof of conference registration, we are not able to apply for a Visa on your behalf.

Q. What is the closest airport to the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa?
A. The resort is approximately 45 minutes by road from Muscat International Airport.

While there are no rail connections from the airport, taxis are readily available and cost approximately USD 30 - 50 for the trip to the resort. Agree to the fare before leaving the airport, as meters are not commonly used in Oman.

If you would like us to arrange a car pickup for you, simply provide your airline name, flight number, and estimated time of arrival when you make your room booking online, or contact the hotel directly at least one day in advance. An airport representative will meet you upon arrival; your chaffeur will be waiting for you outside the arrival terminal.

Q. What is the attire for the conference?
A. Business

Q. What is the cancellation policy?
A. All cancellations and substitutions must be submitted to the HIMSS Middle East help desk via e-mail at customerservice@himssme.org

Cancellation before 16 October 2009 – $100 USD administrative fee

Cancellation after 16 October 2009 - 100% of the registration fee will be forfeited.