COP28 Logistics FAQ

The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will be held from November 30 – December 12, 2023 at Expo City Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Learn more about the COP28 thematic program on the COP28 website.

1. Where can I learn more about attending COP28, including credentialing? I don’t have a badge for COP28 but would like to attend the conference.  Can the U.S. Government provide me a badge? 

• In-person attendance in sessions of the Conferences of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement 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 Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC, brings a delegation to Conferences.  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 observer organization (a non-governmental organization, NGO, or intergovernmental organization, 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 participating in the UNFCCC process is available on the UN Climate Change website at How to Engage Without Observer Status. 

2. What are the deadlines for my organization to apply for observer status for COP28? 

• For the COP28 review cycle, the deadline for submission of applications for observer status (which is required for organizations to receive credentials for the Conference) has already closed (on August 31, 2022). 

• For the COP29 review cycle, organizations (both NGOs and IGOs) interested in obtaining observer status can submit applications in the UN Online Admission System.
• Additional information on this process can be found on the UN Climate Change website at How to Obtain Observer Status. 

3. What’s the difference between the Blue Zone and the Green Zone at the UN Climate Change Conference? 

• The Blue Zone is the area 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, UAE will be planning and coordinating the COP28 Green Zone, which is open to the public and 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 UAE COP28 Green Zone site page. 

4. How can I apply for a visa to attend COP28? 

• For those attending COP28 to participate in the Blue Zone (UNFCCC-registered): It is mandatory for all foreign UNFCCC-registered participants entering the UAE to apply for the COP28 UAE Visa, prior to arrival, using the visa application link within the UNFCCC registration confirmation email.  Once you have completed your UNFCCC registration, you will receive a UNFCCC registration confirmation email, which will include a link to apply for the COP28 UAE Visa. Please visit the UAE COP28 Blue Zone Visits site page for guidance.  All inquiries regarding visa arrangements should be addressed directly to visas@unfccc.int.  

• For those attending COP28 to participate in the Green Zone only (not UNFCCC-registered): Please consult the UAE COP28 Green Zone Visits site page for guidance on how to obtain a visa. 

5. I’d like to host an event at COP28. What are my options? 

• There are several different types of events that take place in the Blue Zone at COP. 
• Official COP28 side events are a way for admitted observers to hold events.  The process for proposals for official side events at COP28 is closed. 

• U.S. Center events are organized by the U.S. Government at our pavilion. 
• UAE Presidency events are organized by the Government of UAE as the COP28 host.  We expect more information about these 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. COP28 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, September 1, 2023.  The proposal submission process is now closed. 
• Please note that a submission does not guarantee your event will be selected, and acceptance of an event [proposal] does not necessarily mean you will receive a badge to attend COP28. 
• Please contact USCenter@state.gov if you have any questions. 
• U.S. Center events during COP28 will be livestreamed on the U.S. Center page. 

7. I’m attending COP28 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 COP28, please visit the UAE’s COP28 site or the UN Climate Change COP28 site.