Certificates of attendance
Attendees can download a signed, headed PDF certificate of attendance via the login link above. Look for the 'C' icon alongside your registration.
Use our travel email and our travel PDF to help you get home!
Information regarding visas
Many colleagues will need to apply for visas in order to enter the UK. While it is possible to download a letter of acceptance (see below) we can supply an additional letter, on University headed paper, signed by the Head of the Centre of African Studies, tailored to the needs of the visa authorities.
Acceptance letters
Formal acceptance letters (signed pdfs on headed paper) can be downloaded from the login environment (the head icon), if you've had a panel or paper accepted within the conference programme. Log in, proceed past your contact details with the "Proceed" button (located under the contact fields) and then scroll through to your panel/paper. There will be an encircled A at the end of the panel/paper title line. Click on this, download the pdf and print your letter. Please note that we do not send such letters by post.
Letters of support for visa applications
Colleagues applying for visas from African nations are strongly advised to obtain an additional letter aimed specifically at the visa authorities. In order to provide this letter, we will need delegates to provide some passport data via our online form. We will then email a link to the signed, headed, letter PDF file.
Visa support letter request form will opens with the registration on 12 March. Please contact admin(at)ecasconference.org if you have any questions.
Advice on visa applications
- You should apply for your visa as early as possible, leaving more time than the advertised processing times.
- Include documentary evidence for every key information provided in the application whether or not it is required e.g (if you state that you are married include your marriage certificate; if you refer to three children, include their birth certificates; if you are employed, include your original letter of introduction and letter of leave approval for the conference period/ID card etc; if you are studying include yours student ID card and letter of introduction.)
- Your bank statements should provide evidence of available funds for the key conference costs e.g. flights, accommodation, but also funding for day-to-day expenditure. (A useful guide would be £50 per day.)
- Evidence of your accommodation booking should be shown for every day from entry to exit from the UK. For instance, if you intend to spend a few days in the UK before or after the conference, evidence of that accommodation booking should also be provided.
Guidance document
Before applying for a visa please read University of Edinburgh visa guidance (PDF).