News (16)
Dear AIS Delegates,
Be advised that Hotel Kempinski has added some security measures. Security Officers will be in place to search bags upon entrance in the
hotel, or before each workshop and plenary session.
These searches might be sporadic and spontaneous. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and request that you prepare in
consequence.
Dear Delegates,
In light of the recent attack that took place in Djibouti this past weekend, we would like to reassure the community that extra measures have been taken to ensure the safety of AIS delegates and participants.
Security has been stepped up not only in the country itself but also at Palais du Peuple for the workshops and at the conference venue, the Kempinski Hotel.
The African Internet Summit 2014 remains on schedule. It began on Sunday 24 May with about 130 workshops participants and the presence of high level officials, among whom the Minister of Communications in Charge of Posts and Telecommunications, His Excellency Mr Ali Hassan Bahdon..
Those already present on site assure us that they are safe. We will continue to keep you posted on any developments and invite you to stay
up-to-date via our Twitter pages: @AFRINIC and #AIS14 as well as via the www.internetsummitafrica.org website
Dear All,
It’s only one week until the Africa Internet Summit (AIS), which takes place from 25 May - 6 June, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you in Djbouti. We’ve put together some practical information to help you prepare your trip.
1. Visa on arrival
Most visitors to Djibouti will need to purchase a visa upon arrival at Djibouti airport, which costs around about *USD 90 (15,000 DJF). Those delegates who used the online visa letter facility (deadline now passed) will receive their visa letter within a week. Please remember to take this letter *and* your AIS invitation letter with you.
2. Invitation letter
All delegates will receive an invitation letter after they have registered for the AIS. You will need this invitation letter for your visa so please remember to bring this with you on your journey.
3. Getting from Djibouti Airport to the hotel
AFRINIC delegates are required to make their own arrangements for airport transfers .The meeting venue, the Kempinski Palace Hotel, is only a 10 minute drive away from the airport. Delegates are advised to use only official taxis and buses or arrange a transfer with their hotel.
4. Accommodation at the Kempinski
The guest room rate for AIS delegates is USD 150 (DJF 25,500). This includes Internet access, 5% service charge and 7% VAT. A 3% city tax (ONTA) will be charged separately per room per night. Please note that there are only a limited number of rooms available at the delegate rate, so please book your room soon. You can book by clicking here.
There are also alternative hotels near the conference venue. Please see here for more details.
5. Money
Major international currencies and credit cards are accepted throughout Djibouti although US Dollars and Euros are preferable. Please note that the Kempinski Hotel accepts only American Express and Visa credit cards and can only take USD and Euro bills that were printed after 2003. You will be required to make a 200 USD deposit on arrival for extras at the Kempinski which is refundable.
6. The Summit
The Summit begins on 25 May and ends on 6 June. Training workshops will be held from 25 May - 2 June 2014. The official Opening Ceremony takes place on 2 June at 17:00 (local time). The plenary sessions will be held from 3 - 6 June 2014 and the AFRINIC-20 Meeting will take place from 5-6 June. The agenda can be found here.
7. Registration
Onsite registration will be open on 31 May at 14:00 at the Kempinski Hotel in the conference area. If you are in the hotel before the official start date of the conference on 2 June, please stop by the Registration Desk to pick up your badge and meeting pack - this will help keep the queues and the wait times short.
8. Internet access
Wireless Internet connectivity in the conference area, the hotel lobby and guest rooms at the Kempinski Hotel is free for all AIS delegates.
9. Drinking Water
You are strongly advised to drink bottled water only at all times.
10. Timezone:
Djibouti is on GMT +3.
11. Food
If you wish to taste Djiboutian cuisine, there are a variety of exotic buffets at the Kempinski Hotel. You can also try
- Tropicana (local specialities and European food)
- Janateyn (Yemenite speciality)
- Le Kintz (European food)
- The restaurants in the Kempinski
12. Health
Visitors from certain countries may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Please check with the embassy in your country before you travel. We also recommend that you use anti-malaria pills.
13. Weather
It is extremely hot in Djibouti at this time of year. Please ensure that you are prepared for extreme outside temperatures and that you keep yourself hydrated with bottled water.
14. Sightseeing:
If you have spare time in Djibouti, there are many sights to see in Djibouti. For more information please click here.
15. Get in touch
@afrinic
@AIS_2014
We look forward to meeting you all in Djibouti.
The AIS Meeting Team