ISSA Conference 2026

Plan your journey

Conference Venues

Find practical information about venues, transport, and your stay in Lisbon.

Ismaili Centre Lisbon

The Ismaili Centre Lisbon is a landmark cultural and institutional venue known for its contemporary architecture, calm atmosphere, and commitment to intercultural dialogue. It offers versatile spaces ideal for plenary sessions and informal moments.

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Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Lisbon

Universidade Católica Portuguesa is a prestigious higher education institution recognized for academic excellence and modern facilities. Its Lisbon campus provides well-equipped rooms suitable for our conference workshops and parallel sessions.

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Transportation to the Venues

Metro (Subway)

Ismaili Centre Lisbon: Nearest stations are São Sebastião (Blue and Red Lines) and Praça de Espanha (Blue Line), about 5–10 minutes on foot.

Universidade Católica Portuguesa: Closest stations are Cidade Universitária and Entre Campos (Yellow Line), about 7–10 minutes on foot.

Airport Access

Lisbon Airport is approximately 10–15 minutes by car. The metro Red Line connects directly to the city, with transfers to Blue or Yellow Lines reaching both venues in around 25–30 minutes.

Bus

Several bus lines also serve both venues.

Train

Entrecampos station, near Universidade Católica Portuguesa, provides regional and national connections.

Accommodation

All hotel reservations must be made directly by participants. In the event of cancellation, the respective hotel’s cancellation policy will apply. We strongly recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible, as availability at the listed hotels is limited and subject to change.

VIP Executive Picoas Hotel

Single BB —

€174

Double BB —

€188

Distance —

6.5–7 km

Discount code —

ISSA26

More details

Transport details: Metro (yellow line/red line + transfer)Táxi/Uber,Bus

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VIP Executive Saldanha Hotel

Double BB —

180

Distance —

6.8–7.3 km

Discount code —

ISSA26

More details

Transport details: Metro (yellow line/red line + transfer)Táxi/Uber,Bus

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VIP Executive Entrecampos Hotel

Single BB —

€160

Double BB —

172

Distance —

6–6.5 km

Discount code —

ISSA26

More details

Transport details: Train (Entrecampos) + Metro/Bus, Táxi/Uber

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VIP Executive Zurique Hotel

Single BB —

€138

Double BB —

€149

Discount code —

ISSA26

More details

Transport details: Train (Entrecampos) + Metro/Bus, Táxi/Uber

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VIP Inn Berna Hotel

Single BB —

€134

Double BB —

€149

Discount code —

ISSA26

More details

Transport details: Metro (Campo Pequeno/Entrecampos), Bus, Táxi/Uber

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Sana Metropolitan Hotel

Single BB —

€165

Double BB —

€185

Distance —

6.5–6.8 km

More details

Transport details:
Metro: Entrecampos or Campo Grande (yellow and green line)+ metro + bus and short walk , Bus (Carris): several option near Laranjeiras, Táxi / Uber / Bolt

Conditions: participants may make, modify, or cancel their reservations until September 9, 2026. After this date, reservations become non-refundable, and payment must be completed within 48 hours. A payment link will be sent to each participant to settle their respective bookings.

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Hotel Açores Lisboa

Distance —

1.2–1.5 km

Discount code —

ISSACONF26

More details

Transport details:
Metro: Metro (Blue Line – Jardim Zoológico → Laranjeiras, 1 stop), 10–15 min walk, Táxi/Uber/Bolt (5 min)

Conditions: Available fee's with 10% discount. For reservations between the 20th to the 24th of Ocotber

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Lisbon Garden Flower

Distance —

4.5–5 km

More details

Transport details:
Metro (Blue Line – São Sebastião → Laranjeiras), Bus (Carris – several options via Praça de Espanha), Táxi/Uber/Bolt (15–20 min)

Conditions: Available fee's with 10% discount. For reservations between the 20th to the 24th of Ocotber

Hotel Açores Lisboa

Distance —

1.2–1.5 km

Discount code —

ISSACONF26

More details

Transport details:
Metro: Metro (Blue Line – Jardim Zoológico → Laranjeiras, 1 stop), 10–15 min walk, Táxi/Uber/Bolt (5 min)

Conditions: Available fee's with 10% discount. For reservations between the 20th to the 24th of Ocotber

Visit Website

Hotel Açores Lisboa

Distance —

1.2–1.5 km

Discount code —

ISSACONF26

More details

Transport details:
Metro: Metro (Blue Line – Jardim Zoológico → Laranjeiras, 1 stop), 10–15 min walk, Táxi/Uber/Bolt (5 min)

Conditions: Available fee's with 10% discount. For reservations between the 20th to the 24th of Ocotber

Visit Website

Visa Requirements

Who Needs a Visa?

European Union (EU) and Schengen Area Citizens: Individuals from EU member states and Schengen Area countries do not require a visa to enter Portugal.

Non-EU Citizens: Attendees from countries outside the EU may need a visa, depending on their nationality. It's crucial to verify specific requirements based on your country of residence. A comprehensive list of nationalities requiring a visa can be found on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Recommended Steps to Follow
  1. Determine visa necessity: Check if your nationality requires a Schengen Visa to enter Portugal.
  2. Gather required documentation: Typical documents include:
  • Completed visa application form
  • Valid passport (with at least three months validity beyond your planned departure)
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Invitation letter from the conference
  1. Submit application: Apply at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing times can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance.
Important Considerations

Processing time: Visa applications can take up to 90 days. Early application is recommended to accommodate any potential delays.

Financial support: The invitation letter is solely for visa purposes and does not imply financial support or accommodation provisions.

Stay duration: A Schengen Visa allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your travel plans comply with this regulation.

For detailed information on visa requirements and application procedures, refer to the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Invitation Letters

Official invitation letters will be provided to participants with confirmed and paid registrations. These letters support visa applications but do not guarantee approval.

Safety and Travel Tips

Lisbon's unique blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its warm hospitality, makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking a rich cultural experience.

Safety

Lisbon is generally considered a safe city for travelers. As with any major city, it's advisable to remain vigilant against pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Language

While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely understood in tourist areas, making communication relatively easy for visitors.

Accessibility

The city's hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, many attractions are equipped with facilities to assist all visitors.

Currency and Money Exchange

Portugal uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available 24 hours a day. Banks typically operate from 09:00 to 15:00 on weekdays.

Budgeting in Lisbon

Meals

Breakfast

Around €4 when dining out

Lunch

€8–12

Dinner

€15–20 including wine

Coffee/Beer/Cocktail

€2/€3/€10

Attractions

Entrance

fees typically range between €10 and €15.

A daily budget

A daily budget of €15 allows one paid attraction plus free visits.

Transportation in Lisbon

Navigating Lisbon is convenient thanks to its public transportation network.

Metro (Subway)

Fast and efficient with four lines connecting major areas including the airport.

Buses and Trams

Operated by Carris, reaching areas beyond the metro network. Tram 28 offers a scenic route.

Trains

Regular services connect Lisbon to destinations such as Sintra and Cascais

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available throughout the city, and ride-sharing services operate widely.

Uber

Uber is widely used in Lisbon and offers flexible and affordable transportation across the city.

Public Transport Tickets and Passes

• Single Ticket: €1.80 using a Viva Viagem rechargeable card.
• 24-hour Pass: €6.80, allowing unlimited travel on metro, buses, and trams.
• Airport Transfer: Metro fare from the airport to the city centre is €1.80.

Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, ticket machines, service counters, and authorized kiosks.

Participants may purchase and load public transport tickets using the official transport app for the Lisbon metropolitan area, allowing users to buy and manage tickets digitally without needing to queue at stations.

Official app: Carris Metropolitana app
Website and download information: https://www.carrismetropolitana.pt/app

Tickets and passes can still be purchased and loaded at metro stations, ticket machines, and authorized sales points throughout the city. The reusable Viva Viagem card costs €0.50 and can be topped up as needed.

Useful Contacts

CP – Comboios de Portugal: www.cp.pt
Metro de Lisboa: www.metrolisboa.pt
Carris: www.carris.pt
Lisbon Airport: www.lisbonairport.pt
Visit Lisboa: www.visitlisboa.com

General Information

Telephone Dialing Code: +351
Electrical Power: 220V
National Emergency Number: 112