Air Travel
All flights for you and your guest will be arranged by our third-party travel partner. Upon arrival in Florence, Italy, pre-arranged ground transportation will take you to the St. Regis Florence.
When you register, you will have the opportunity to enter your preferred flight details. Please note, you will need to take an overnight flight from the United States to Europe. When submitting your flight details, please reference the day you would like to arrive in Florence. We will do everything possible to accommodate your requests. Once you have submitted your registration and any extensions or deviations have been confirmed, the air team will book flights for you and your guest. You will be contacted via email within three business days with a flight itinerary for your review and approval. Please double-check the spelling of your name and your guest's name on your air itineraries to ensure they match your passports.
An email response is required within 24 hours of receipt, acknowledging that you have received the airline schedule. Upon your approval, the airline ticket will be issued.
Alcon is pleased to provide you and your guest with economy round-trip airfare to Florence, Italy. Upgrades are available at your expense and can be purchased via credit card or frequent flyer miles through your airline.
Passport Information
A valid passport is required to board your flight to Florence. Please note, that the name on your passport must match the name on your airline ticket. It is recommended that your passport be valid for six months beyond your return travel date. Please check your passport's expiration date. Depending on your country of origin, the required validity may differ.
Alcon partners with CIBT to help expedite the passport renewal process. To get started, click on the following link: How to Expedite Passports | CIBTvisas Expedited Passport Solutions.
For more information on passports (applications, renewals, or adding pages), U.S. citizens may contact their local post office, visit the U.S. Department of State website, or visit the following sites to learn more about applying for a new passport or renewing a passport. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please refer to your country's passport application and renewal requirements.
The process may take up to twelve weeks, so please do this as soon as possible.
Visa Information
Nationals of certain countries may also require an entry visa. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website to determine the requirements of your specific country. Even if Italy does not require a visa for entry, please check to be sure you do not need a transit visa for any connecting flights through countries you might enter en route to Florence. You will need to visit the government websites of those specific countries for information on how to apply for a transit visa. We also recommend checking the sherpa° website.
For United States passport holders, an entry visa is not required. The European Union has once again postponed the launch date of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) until the last quarter of 2026. The Alcon Events Team is continuously monitoring this and will notify attendees of any changes.
This process may take several weeks, so please check immediately upon registering.
European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES)
The European Union has begun implementation of a new, required Entry/Exit System for all non-EU nationals when traveling to a European Union country. The EES is an automated system for registering non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of one of the 29 European countries The goal of this new system is to modernize border management, replace the need for passport stamping, and reduce the wait in passport control lines. The EES does apply to non-EU nationals traveling to Florence, Italy. Attendees will still need their passports upon arrival. There is no cost or additional documentation needed.
For further information on the EES, please visit the official European Union website at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees.
Arriving in Florence
Upon arrival at Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), you will proceed to immigration to present your passport and boarding pass for clearance. After clearing immigration, you will proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage. Please note, porters are not allowed inside the terminal; however, luggage carts are available if you need assistance.
Note: If your luggage is lost, stay in the airport terminal near the baggage claim carousels. Do NOT pass through customs. Fill out a lost luggage report with your airline. You must receive a printout with a phone number and report/claim number. Once at the hotel, the Alcon Events Team will assist you in calling to check the status of your luggage.
ground Transportation
Alcon will provide transportation to the St. Regis Florence for you and your guest. Once you retrieve your luggage and make it through customs at the Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), a representative wearing black trousers, a white shirt, and holding Alcon President’s Club-branded signage will meet you as you exit the sliding glass doors into the Arrivals Hall. The representative will escort you to your complimentary transportation to the St. Regis Florence. Travel time to the hotel is approximately twenty (20) minutes.
When returning home, your arranged transportation will depart from the hotel lobby. More information regarding your pickup time will be included on your Departure Notice in your Welcome Packet.
If you are pre- or post-extending at another property, you will be responsible for your own ground transportation.
Currency
The currency in Florence is the euro. Please note that the exchange rate fluctuates daily. For current exchange rates, please click here.
Most major credit cards are accepted in Florence. It is best practice to call your bank before leaving the country to advise of international travel dates on any card you plan to use while out of the country. When making major purchases, it is always recommended to charge items to your credit card. The rate of exchange on your credit card will be more favorable than the rate available locally. This is due to the large volume of foreign exchange generated by credit card companies at the more favorable "inter-banking" rate of exchange. The better rate is then passed along to the customer.
Electricity
The electricity standard in Florence is 230V/50Hz, the same as most European destinations. Specifically, the power plugs and sockets in Florence are type F (2 pin); this socket also works with type C and E plugs.
Since the standard U.S. voltage is 120V/60Hz, a converter is needed if you are traveling from the United States.
Time zone
