Why should I go to the IACC?
The IACC is the anti-corruption event of 2006. The opportunity to hear from the top experts in the field, participate in interactive activities and take advantage of fantastic networking events make it an unbeatable event for anyone with an interest in corruption. The conference is biannual- don’t miss out this year! Plus, why not use the opportunity to experience all the region has to offer?

Is it too late to register?
No. If you require a visa, it is possible to register up to 31 October. This can be done online or by sending a completed registration form by fax or courier. Registrations will not be considered as processed until all payments have been received.

*Please note that after 31 October it will still be possible to register at the conference venue if you do not require a visa.

How do I know if I need a visa?
It depends on which category your native country falls into, according to the Guatemalan government’s rules. If your country belongs to category A- no visa is require; if it is B or C- apply for a 12th IACC Courtesy visa. Click here to see the Visa Country Classification list. If you are not exempt from visa requirements, please see the application guidelines.

What languages will the events be conducted in?
The working languages for all workshops, plenary sessions and other activities will be English and Spanish. Plenary sessions will be translated in all six official UN languages.

What social events will there be?
The IACC offers an invaluable chance to meet other people in the anti-corruption movement. The stunning surroundings of the Guatemala National Palace host a dedicated networking evening, while ceremonies at the open and close of the conference will include the awarding of this year’s TI Integrity Awards and the Instituto Prensa y Sociedad / Transparency International Latin America and the Carribean Latin American Journalist Award.

What else is there to see and do in Guatemala?
Guatemala is known for other things besides the IACC! The country is steeped in Mayan history, while boasting some of the most unspoilt natural wonders of the world, from towering volcanoes to stunning marine life. It is a common stop-off for tourists from many regions of the world.

What will the weather be like in Guatemala in November?
Guatemala has a stable tropical climate, remaining consistently warm and dry throughout the year. Winter begins in October, with November nonetheless being typically sunny with temperatures of 16°C and higher. Temperatures are higher near the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and rainfall is low.

Do I need to take any safety precautions while in Guatemala?
It is recommended that certain basic guidelines are followed. Use only the yellow taxis, and at the airport buy a taxi ticket inside the airport building. Keep an eye on luggage, carry a copy of your passport at all times, and leave essential documents in a safe place – it is possible to leave them at your embassy. For more safety details, consult your country’s foreign affairs website, and see the IACC organisers’ guidelines here.

What about money?
The Guatemalan currency is the Quetzal. At current exchange rates, 1Q = roughly 9,3 Euros, or US$7.8. Please note that it is recommended to use US Dollars, as many local banks still do not exchange Euros for Quetzals.

Guatemala at a Glance:
Officially the Republic of Guatemala

Geography: located in Central America, Guatemala borders Mexico to the northwest, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast.

Capital: Guatemala City

Population: 12.3 million

Language: Spanish

Political System: Constitutional democratic republic

President: Óscar Berger Perdomo - Patriotic Party-Reform Movement-National Solidarity Party

Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National hero: Quiche Tecun Uman. Fought against the Spanish conquistadors in 1534. According to legend, he fought without armour, giving up his life for the freedom of his land and people.

Nobel Prize winners: Guatemalan Miguel Angel Asturias won for Literature in 1967: Rigoberta Menchu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992.

National Bird: The Quetzal bird gives its name to the Guatemalan unit of currency, and has been at the centre of Guatemalan culture for thousands of years and appears in many Mayan legends.

National flag: Three vertical stripes, two blue with the middle stripe white. In the centre is a coat of arms on which is written: “Liberated 15th September 1534”.

Traditional food: Tortillas; tamales (maize cooked with meat or vegetables)

Exports: Coffee, sugar, bananas, petroleum