19th Annual International Biocuration Conference
The 19th Annual International Biocuration Conference will be held for the first time on the African continent, from 20 to 24 April 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Cape Town is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Western Cape, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming people. With a complex and rich history, the “Mother City” of South Africa is framed by its iconic and majestic Table Mountain as well as the Atlantic Ocean, offering a fascinating blend of natural wonder and urban sophistication. This cultural fusion, set against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sea, makes Cape Town one of the world’s most captivating and cosmopolitan destinations.
Cape Town is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Western Cape, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming people. With a complex and rich history, the “Mother City” of South Africa is framed by its iconic and majestic Table Mountain as well as the Atlantic Ocean, offering a fascinating blend of natural wonder and urban sophistication. This cultural fusion, set against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sea, makes Cape Town one of the world’s most captivating and cosmopolitan destinations.
Conference venue
The conference will be hosted at the Lagoon Beach Hotel Conference Centre and Spa, a beachfront venue in Milnerton, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain and the Cape Town skyline. Located just 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, with easy access to the city centre, the hotel combines professional conference facilities with modern and comfortable accommodation, restaurants, a spa and recreational activities, making it an ideal and welcoming setting for participants.
Accommodation
Numerous accommodation options are available for conference attendees, ranging in price and distance from the conference venue. These are listed below (along with booking codes for select options we have arranged with)
- Lagoon Beach Hotel Conference Centre and Spa (Conference venue), a beachfront hotel in Milnerton, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain and the Cape Town skyline.
- StayEasy Century City Hotel (about 10-15 minutes, ~7km, by car from the conference venue), ideally located near the Bloubergstrand beach, making it suitable for both leisure and business trips.
Passports and Visas
Passport requirement
Every participant travelling to South Africa must be in possession of a passport that:
- Will still be valid for at least 6 months after the departure date.
- Have at least two unused pages for endorsements.
Visa requirements
In order to visit South Africa, international travellers who have permanent residence outside the country need a valid visa to enter. Visas can be issued for both tourism and business purposes and are valid for a time period of 90 days.
The visa can be obtained either through a South African diplomatic representative or a travel agent and indicates that a South African embassy or consulate declared that the applicant is eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose.
Requirements for visitor’s visas differ from country to country and are subject to change, so please check the appropriate requirements with your local South African representative. Some countries are exempt from visas, and thus citizens from those nations don’t require one in order to enter South Africa. A list of all countries that do not currently require a visa can be found at the South African Government website:
https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
For any further requirements regarding a South African visa, please check the following link:
https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa