COP27 Logistical FAQ

COP27 will be held from November 6-18, 2022 at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Centre (SHICC) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Learn more about the COP27 schedule on the COP27 website .

1. Where can I learn more about attending COP27, including credentialing? I don’t have a badge for COP27 but would like to attend the conference.  Can the U.S. Government provide me a badge?

• In-person attendance in sessions of Conferences of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is open to registered representatives of Parties, observer states, and admitted observer organizations. Conferences are not open to the general public.
• The United States, as a Party to the UNFCCC, brings a delegation to the COPs. In general, the United States only accredits U.S. Government employees and government contractors as part of our delegation.
• If you are not a U.S. Government employee and not a member of an already-admitted organization (a non-governmental organization, NGO, or intergovernmental organizations, IGO), you may consider reaching out to an already-admitted NGO or IGO to inquire about the possibility of being credentialed as part of their delegation.
• Additional information about the UNFCCC process is available on the UNFCCC website at How to Engage Without Observer Status .

2. What are the deadlines for my organization to apply for observer status for COP27?

• For the COP27 review cycle, the deadline for submission of applications for observer status to the UNFCCC (which is required for organizations to receive credentials for the COPs) has already closed (on August 31 of 2021).
• For the COP28 review cycle, organizations (both NGOs and IGOs) interested in obtaining observer status can submit applications until August 31, 2022 at 23:59 CEST in the UNFCCC Online Admission System.
• Additional information on this process can be found on the UNFCCC website at How to Obtain Observer Status .

3. How can I apply for a visa to attend COP27?

• All travelers to COP27, regardless of passport type, must have a visa for entry into Egypt.
• It can take up to 30 days to receive a visa. The Department of State highly recommends that anyone who may travel to Egypt for COP27 apply for a visa as soon as possible.
• For information on how to obtain your visa in Washington, DC, please consult the website of the Egyptian Embassy .

4. What’s the difference between the Blue Zone and the Green Zone at the COPs?

• The Blue Zone is the area at COP behind the security checkpoint that requires a badge to enter. This area includes the official plenary space, negotiation rooms, pavilions, office space, and side event space.
• As the host government, Egypt will be planning and coordinating the COP27 Green Zone, which will be a walking distance from the Blue Zone.
  • The Green Zone will feature events, exhibits, workshops, and cultural performances from businesses, youth, civil and indigenous societies, academia, artists, and fashion communities.
  • To learn more about the Green Zone, please go to the Egypt COP27 site Green Zone Page .

5. I’d like to host an event at COP27. What are my options?

• There are several different types of events that take place in the Blue Zone at COP.
  • UNFCCC official side events are organized by the UNFCCC as a way for official observers to hold events. The process for proposals for official side events at COP27 is closed .
  • U.S. Center events are organized by the U.S. government at our pavilion.
  • Egyptian Presidency events are organized by the Government of Egypt as host of the COP. We expect more information about their presidency events will be released closer to the start of the conference.
  • Many other countries will also be organizing pavilions and may be holding events at their pavilions.
• Outside the Blue Zone, the Green Zone typically offers additional space for events, exhibits, and pavilions.
• In addition to the Blue and Green Zones, there is typically an unofficial program of events taking place across the city organized by a very wide range of organizations and individuals.

6. I would like to submit an event proposal for the U.S. COP27 pavilion space (“the U.S. Center”). How can I watch U.S. Center events?

• The proposal process for events at the U.S. Center was open through Friday, August 19, 2022.
• Please note that a submission does not guarantee your event will be selected and acceptance of an event does not necessarily mean you will receive a badge to attend COP27.
• Please contact COP27Pavilion@state.gov if you have any questions or have trouble using the form.
• U.S. Center events during COP27 will be livestreamed at www.state.gov (exact link to be added at a later date).

7. I’m attending COP27 and would like to receive updates and meeting invites from the U.S. delegation.

• Please complete this webform  to add your contact information to our distro list.

For more information on COP27, please visit Egypt’s COP27 site  or the UNFCCC COP27 site .