Program / Travel Information

Passport
Canadians must present a passport which must be valid for at least three (3) months beyond the date of your expected return from Germany. For all other nationalities, please contact the German Embassy noted below for entry documentation requirements. 

For the most up to date travel information, please visit https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/germany
 
Visas

Canadian citizens using a valid Canadian passport do not require a visa to enter Germany for stays up to 90 days. It is important that your passport be valid for three (3) months beyond your expected return date. 

All other nationals are advised to check with German authorities for document requirements. Travellers to Germany seeking visas can communicate directly with the German Embassy:

German Embassy Ottawa
1 Waverley Street
Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0T8
Tel: 613-232-1101

Please note, when applying for a visa, you will be asked for travel and accommodation details.  

COVID-19 Requirements
Information/requirements are changing often - for the most up-to-date information / Covid-19 requirements for entering Germany, please download the "Re-open EU" app on your smartphone or tablet. 

Travel to Germany:
   • The German government has lifted all entry restrictions for Canadian residents starting Sunday, July 4, 2021. Travel
     to Germany by Canadian residents will therefore be permitted again for all travel purposes as of this date. For entry
     by air, proof of testing, proof of recovery from Covid-19 or proof of vaccination is required.
   • A negative test prior to departure would be required if not fully vaccinated/recovered
   • Proof of vaccines is required in digital/written, cellphone photo is not sufficient
   • For full details, please refer to the following link: https://canada.diplo.de/ca-en/consular-services/-/2369946
   • Note: these requirements are subject to change.

Entry into Germany: 
   • All attendees must complete a German Customs digital registration prior to entering Germany using this link:
     https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de/#/
   • We recommend you complete this form just prior to travelling to ensure you have all your travel information required.

Event Attendance:
   • A negative Covid-19 test is required to take part in the event. If you are staying at an alternate location, you will be
     required to present a negative Covid-19 test to attend the event. The test must be taken no more than 48-hours prior
     to arrival at the hotel. Test results must be provided on paper or electronic document in English, French or German.
   • It is suggested to bring all relevant proof of vaccination documentation with you to Munich. Regulations within
     Germany are subject to change.
   • If you test positive while in Germany, you will be able to stay at the Hilton for your quarantine until you are able to
     travel back to Canada (hotel charges would be at your own cost).
   • Local event staff would be available for assistance during that quarantine period to assist with communication to
     authorities, planning the trip back home, etc.
   • If you would prefer to quarantine at another hotel (less expensive), local event staff can assist in finding another
     hotel, however assistance from local event staff will be limited as you will not be at the event host hotel.
   • Note: these requirements are subject to change.

COVID-19 Tests for Travel Back to Canada
   • BMW will be setting up a testing process with local testing facilities in Munich for your return to Canada COVID-19
     testing requirements.
   • The test will be at your own cost.
   • Details are being finalized and will be communicated to you at the hotel during registration.
   • Any person extending their stay post event will be required to arrange their COVID-19 test on their own (at their own
     cost).
   • Local event staff in Munich will have contacts and addresses for Munich testing centres. Some hotels offer this testing
     service but this is very expensive.

Air
You are required to book your air travel to Munich, Germany via Concur, BMW’s Corporate Travel provider.

Guidelines When Booking Your Flights:

  • When booking your flights, keep this timing in mind:     
  • Arrival: Plan to arrive in Munich on October 11. There is a BMW meeting taking place from 2:00PM – 4:00PM on October 12.
  • Departure: You can depart at any time on October 14 as there are no meetings/events planned on that day.

Copy of Air Itinerary

Once you have received your ticketed flight itinerary, please forward a copy to Crystal Guo at Crystal.Guo@bmwgroup.ca so that your airport transfers can be arranged in Munich.

Baggage Allowance 
Your e-ticket confirmation will provide you with information regarding baggage allowance and restrictions, for both checked and carry-on baggage. Since security regulations are constantly changing, please check your airline website prior to departure for any last-minute changes. 

Carry-on Items
Liquids (perfumes, gels, pastes, liquid cosmetics, creams, sprays, shaving creams etc.) must be in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml (3.4 ounces). These containers must then be placed in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag (available at the airport if needed) with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. One bag per passenger permitted. Important Note: It is recommended that you pack a change of clothes/shoes and any necessary toiletries in your carry-on.

Luggage Tags 
Ensure your luggage is tagged with identification that is securely attached to each piece of luggage to ensure correct delivery to your destination and easy identification by the hotel. We also suggest that your address is noted somewhere on the inside of your luggage. In Munich, you will be provided BMW program luggage tags.

Climate
In October, the average daytime high in Munich is 14°C (66°F), and average evening low is 5°C (48°F). Sunrise is approximately 7:28AM, and sunset at approximately 6:30PM.

Clothing 
We recommend dressing in comfortable attire. Pack suitable outdoor shoes and a warm, rainproof jacket for outdoor activities and evenings.

   • Daytime – smart casual attire
   • Business Meeting – business casual
   • Dinner – business casual (ties not required)
   • Note: Dress code will be reiterated in the final confirmation documents that you will receive prior to the event.

Currency
Germany’s currency is the Euro. There are many exchange services available in Munich as well as ATM machines, and most international credit cards are accepted. We suggest that you let your bank know you will be using your credit card and/or ATM card in Germany prior to traveling.

For the current exchange rate, please visit https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter using CAD to EUR. 

Driver's Licence
For participation in the BMW Product and Brand Experience 2021, a valid Driver's Licence (photo card licence) is mandatory. You will be asked to present a valid Driver's Licence to the staff at the event check-in on event Day 1. Please ensure you have your Driver's Licence with you during your stay in Germany. If you are not able to present a valid document upon event check-in, you will not be allowed to drive any cars during the entire event. 

Electricity
The standard electrical current in Germany is 230V/50Hz. Travelling from North America, you will require an electrical adapter to plug into German power outlets. Cell phones and computers generally convert the power to North American 120V/60Hz and only the plug adapter is required. However, some items may require a power “converter” (hair dryers, curling irons, etc.). We recommend you check your appliance and bring a universal travel power adapter (or converter if necessary) with you.

Hotel Accommodations
You are responsible for settling the cost upon check-out for your accommodations at the Munich Park Hotel during the program dates for the BMW Product and Brand Experience (October 11-14, 2021). The group hotel rate is EUR 237,33 per room, per night, including in-room WIFI and buffet breakfast. Hotel charges will be reimbursed by BMW Canada via expense report post the event.

If you are planning to stay at the official program hotel, accommodations must be made through this registration site in order to secure the group rate (please do not book directly with the hotel).


Individual Expenses
Accommodation charges are at your own expense (EUR 237,33 per room, per night). Items of a personal nature such as ‘at-your-leisure-activities’, gift purchases, phone calls, bar charges, mini bar and laundry will be at your own expense. 

You will be asked for a credit card upon check-in at the hotel to maintain an account to cover your personal expenses. Please make sure you settle this account prior to checking out. 

Further Assistance Prior to Travelling
For further assistance prior to travelling, please contact: BMW Concierge at BMWConcierge@fenixevent.ca or 1 (866) 307-8085.

Gratuities
As guests of BMW Canada, all gratuities for planned activities and functions have been pre-paid. Additional gratuities are at your discretion.

Medical and Dietary Requirements 
Should you have specific medical or dietary requirements which are not indicated on your registration form, please advise us at BMWConcierge@fenixevent.ca.

Program Inclusions
The BMW Product and Brand Experience in Munich, Germany includes:
   • Full participation fee covered by BMW Group Canada
   • Transfers between the airport and Munich Park Hotel on group travel dates 
   • All group transportation, group meals and activities as shown in the itinerary.
   • Hotel porterage and housekeeping gratuities over the event dates.
   • Note: This is a non-guest program. All events, functions and transfers, etc. are for attendees only (no guests,
     spouses or children).

Time Zone
Munich, Germany is on Central European Time Zone. When it is 12:00 noon in Munich, it is:
   • 3:00AM in Vancouver
   • 4:00AM in Calgary
   • 5:00AM in Winnipeg
   • 6:00AM in Toronto/Montreal
   • 7:00AM in Halifax

Travel Medical Coverage 
It is strongly recommended when travelling outside of Canada that you have out-of-country medical insurance. 

PROGRAM INQUIRIES
BMW Concierge
BMWConcierge@fenixevent.ca
Tel: 1 (866) 307-8085