Visiting groups

Please note the following:

• Our visitors programme is very popular, therefore we advise you to book several months in advance.
• Regrettably only applications from universities, postgraduate or professional institutions can be accepted.
• Due to space limitations we can only accept groups of 25 participants or less.
• The programme includes an introduction to the OSCE and a possible briefing on one specific aspect of its work (please see available topics in the request form) 
• Visits can only be organized on work-days and during working hours. 
• Briefings from the Permanent Representations of the 57 participating States to the OSCE can be requested directly from their offices. Please see the contact list.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the visitor programmes held?

The programmes are held at the OSCE premises at the Hofburg Congress Centre. The entrance, which is located on Heldenplatz, is shown on the map below. You will find an OSCE flag and the words "Hofburg Kongresszentrum" above the door.

Can we take public transport to get to the Hofburg Congress Centre?

Trams 1, 2 and D all stop on the Ring, close to the Hofburg. The nearest stop is Burgring. The subway line U3 (the orange line) has a station close by at Herrengasse.

Whom do we contact to arrange a visit to the OSCE?

Send an e-mail to the Communication and Media Relations Section (COMMS) at Visiting-Groups@osce.org stating the preferred date of your visit (with alternatives if possible) and the composition and size of your group. Please also let us know which areas of the OSCE's work are likely to be of most interest. Due to limited resources, student groups must be at least at the advanced university level, or higher.

How far in advance do we have to book?

Due to high demand, we advise you to book at least several months in advance, particularly for peak periods (university holidays, for example). 

What does a visit to the OSCE usually include?

A typical visit consists of an overview presentation explaining the OSCE, followed by one topical briefing. The briefings include question-and-answer sessions. 

What is the maximum number of visitors you can accommodate?

Groups should have a minimum of 10 participants and not exceed 25 participants. 

In which languages can we receive presentations and briefings?

Introductory presentations can be given in English or German. Some briefings may be available in other OSCE languages.

What do we need to do to obtain access to the OSCE premises at the Hofburg?

A list of all group members' names must be sent by email at least a week in advance. Each group member will need to bring some form of photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence or national ID card. This has to be handed to the Hofburg security desk by the entrance in exchange for a temporary visitor's pass. All visitors must collect their ID documents when leaving the Hofburg.