FAQ
- Who are the dignitaries?
A guest of the Director-General, the Directors or the Secretary-General.
- What is Protocol?
“the formal etiquette and code of behaviour, precedence and procedure for state and diplomatic ceremonies” (Collins English Dictionary). The VIP Office is responsible for establishing and enacting the precedence governing visits as well as the protocol for the participation of a visiting dignitary in a CERN event.
- Who should I contact to discuss a possible visit for a dignitary?
The VIP Office
- How many persons can accompany a dignitary?
Depending on the role of the dignitary the size of the delegation varies from 1 to ~6 with a maximum of 30 persons in the case of a Head of State.
- How long does a visit take?
In general a minimum of two hours up to one working day.
- Does the guest need to carry any means of identification to visit CERN?
The CERN site straddles the French/Swiss border and visits very often take place on several sites which can be in both countries. It is thus necessary to carry the appropriate identification to enter or re-enter both countries.
- Who handles protocol for the arrival and departure at the airport?
The Permanent Missions liaise with the Geneva Airport Protocol Service to organise the arrival and departure protocol for top-ranking officials.
- Can I film and take photographs during the visit?
Yes.
- Where can I find photographs taken by the CERN photographer during the visit?
After the visit the photographs will be made available on the CERN Photo Service web site.
- Who is the CERN Media contact for the members of the Press accompanying the dignitary?
The CERN Press Office.
- Can CERN photographs be used for my publications?
Yes, free of charge, please fill in the copyright form.
