General Global Gathering Information & FAQ's
Accommodation
Click here for Accommodation FAQ's
Travel Insurance
All Global Gathering FCTG attendees will be covered by travel insurance. Depending on your region, this will be a group or individual policy. Details regarding travel insurance will be advised soon. For any immediate questions please contact selena.byrnes@flightcentre.com.au.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers will be provided for those arriving on MAIN DATE group flight arrivals only. For those travelling on other flights, please see suggestions below.
Taxi Information
Lisbon Airport Taxis can be pre booked and start from €25 for a small vehicle and €30 for a larger vehicle. The service is reliable, confirming by email and sms. Please use the link here.
Blacklane
Blacklane provide chauffeured cars and vans that can be pre booked. Transfers from the airport start from €40. Blacklane also provide limousine services around Lisbon. Please use the link here.
UBER
UBER is very cheap in Lisbon. You can reserve rides with Uber in Lisbon up to 30 days in advance. Please note that Uber can not pick up from the arrivals terminal, they will direct you to the designated pick-up point.
Local Laws
When you are in Portugal, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by your own countries standards, apply to you.
If you are arrested or jailed, your Government is likely to do what it can to help you but cannot get you out of trouble or out of jail. Information on what your consular officers can and cannot do to help when in trouble overseas is available from your Government's Consular Services Office. See some sample links below for reference:
- Australia: see the Consular Services Charter at Smart Traveller
- US: see Emergency Information & Resources on the U.S. Department of State site
- UK: see Consular Assistance at Gov.uk
If you run in to any problems with law enforcement, you must contact the FCTG event organisers immediately to ensure you get timely legal support.
It is your responsibility to ensure you understand and respect the local laws when travelling abroad. Please refer to the below government websites for local laws and penalties in Portugal, for other nation's please seek out your government's advice.
- Australia: Smart Traveller
- US: U.S. Department of State
- UK: Gov.uk
Visa Information
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the end of your planned stay and have at least one blank page. You may be refused entry if you do not comply. Your passport must be in pristine condition with no damage, or you risk not being accepted to travel. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa required from your country of origin for entry into Lisbon, Portugal and any other countries you are transiting, if applicable. Passport and visa costs to enter Portugal will be at your own expense.
FCTG will NOT be responsible if you do not apply for a visa and are denied entry.
Click here for the list of countries that require a Schengen Visa.
For other passport visa requirements, click here.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family, partner, friend or non-qualifying work colleague attend the Global Awards Functions?
No, partners are not permitted at any official Global Gathering & Awards functions.
I will be under 18 at the time of the event, can I consume alcohol?
The legal age for drinking alcohol in Portugal is 18 years old. There is a possibility that there will be spot checks for ID (for anyone that looks under 30). Current photo ID is required. If you are unable to show that you are over 18 unfortunately you will not be able to consume alcohol.
Do I need to carry photo ID whilst at Global Gathering?
ID is not required to access any of the evening events during Global Gathering. The legal age for drinking alcohol in Portugal is 18 years old. Access to any bar/nightclub/casino may require photo ID if you look under 30. You will require current photo ID (drivers licence OK. We prefer you don't take your passport out in case it is misplaced).
Can I treat the additional time in Portugal as an educational and use educational leave?
Educational leave may only be used for pre-organised hosted company famils. All staff are required to abide by the Educational policy and need to be on Annual Leave not Educational Leave in order to participate.
Can I claim expenses as a tax deduction for costs (e.g. meals, taxi fares etc.) while travelling to/from or at Global Gathering where I'm not reimbursed by Flight Centre?
You may be eligible to claim these expenses as a tax deduction on your personal income tax return – please ask your tax agent/accountant for further details.
Why have I not received my Registration Summary or Final Itinerary emails?
Ensure to check your junk or SPAM folders and quarantine emails. You will need to open the quarantine email, locate the email from gg@fcmtravel.com.au and click 'deliver' for the email to go to your Inbox.
Please add gg@fcmtravel.com.au to your contacts list so email correspondence (registration summary and final itinerary) will arrive in your Inbox.
