FAQ

• 1. When is the Chess Olympiad and what is the schedule?

  The Chess Olympiad will be held from August 1-14, 2014. You can find the schedule here.

• 2. How can I travel to Tromsø?

  Please see our "How to get here" page.

• 3. Where is the Chess Olympiad venue?

  The playing venue, Mackhallen, is situated in the middle of Tromsø city centre. The venue is within walking distance of all the official Olympiad hotels in the city centre. Please see more here.

• 4. Can I book travel and accommodation from the Chess Olympiad organisers?

  The Chess Olympiad 2014 organisers will assist participants in the Chess Olympiad and FIDE Congress with transport and accommodation.
  
  Players, teams and delegates: please see Accommodation.
  
  Everyone else - tourists, chess fans and those with no formal role - must book accommodation for themselves. Please see Where to stay. You can't book travel from the organisers and should instead use ordinary airlines. Please see "How to get here".

• 5. Do I need a visa to travel to Norway?

  Norway has more than 100 diplomatic and consular missions located all over the world. All of these have their own websites, which provide information for the local population. Please go to www.norway.info. Select your home country and check if you need to apply for a visa to enter Norway.
  
  If you need a visa you will also need an invitation letter from the Chess Olympiad to complete your application. When registering at the website please fill out all the passport information that is required and we will email a photocopy of the letter of invitation. If the original invitation letter is required we will mail it to the federation by regular mail. Please note that if DHL a or similar service is necessary the recipient must pay the cost of such shipment.

• 6. What is the weather like in Tromsø? What should I pack?

  Tromsø is an Arctic city, but because of the Gulf Stream weather conditions are not Arctic. August is still summer, but colder than most are used to at this time of year.
  
  The month of August is characterised by falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs decreasing from 15°C to 12°C over the course of the month. Temperatures exceed 20°C or drop below 8°C on only one day in ten. The weather is therefore liable to change from one day to the next and even the summer evenings and nights can be chilly.
  
  It's a good idea to bring a selection of items. Your luggage should include some light clothes, items you can layer (so that you can add or remove layers depending on the temperature), at least one warm jumper, a waterproof coat and/or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes/boots/trainers.

• 7. Can I play at the Chess Olympiad? How do I register?

  The Chess Olympiad is the main team contest organised by FIDE. Only the national teams of chess federations affiliated to FIDE can register one team in each class below:
  
  Open: 4 players, 1 reserve
  Women: 4 players, 1 reserve
  
  To play in your country's national team you need to be chosen by your national chess federation. There's no other route to playing in the Chess Olympiad.

• 8. Will side events be arranged during the Chess Olympiad?

  Yes, a series of side events will be organised during the Chess Olympiad. Details of those events will be announced shortly. Please see Side events.

• 9. What is there to see and do in Tromsø besides the Chess Olympiad?

  There are a lot of things worth seeing when in Tromsø! It features numerous attractions and activities as well as good shopping and a great nightlife. For details please take a look at: http://www.visittromso.no/en/.

• 10. Where can I get tickets for the chess and the opening and closing ceremonies?

  Tickets for admission to the playing venue (see the schedule) and the opening and closing ceremonies can be bought from this page.
  
  Tickets are not yet on sale but more details will soon be announced.

• 11. I live in Tromsø. How can I rent out my house or apartment?

  We recommend using the service www.airbnb.com.
  
  Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover and book accommodation around the world.

• 12. What conditions are provided by the organisers with regards to transport?

  During the Chess Olympiad the organisers will provide all necessary transport for the teams, delegates and FIDE officials. From Tromsø Airport it takes about 10 minutes to get to the official hotels and the playing venue.