Visit us

Visitors are welcome from 09:00 to 16:30 Monday through Friday, at no charge, at the Court’s Headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands.

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In preparation of your visit please consult our Rules of decorum and practical information page for directions, official holidays and our entry policy.

Visitors are welcome to attend hearings without prior registration. The Court also offers the possibility to be part of a guided visit with a specific programme.

Attend a hearing

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Court hearings are generally open to the public and visitors can attend them without prior registration. The minimum age to attend the hearings is 16 years old.

Please check the Rules of decorum ahead of your visit as well as the Hearings schedule .

Normally hearings are held in three sessions (subject to last minute changes depending on the judicial process):

  • 09:30 – 11:00
  • 11:30 – 13:00
  • 14:30 – 16:00

You may access and leave the Courtroom’s Public Gallery at any time without waiting for it to be on break.

Guided Visits

If you wish for more, you may register for a guided visit and meet with staff members of the Court for a more in-depth presentation on the functioning of the ICC.

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Information Visits

Information Visits

Information Visits are designed mainly for University students and the general public. The programme includes a presentation on the latest judicial developments of the Court, a visit to the Courtroom’s Public Gallery and the possibility to attend a hearing. 

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Student visits

High school students

A short programme is offered for high school students above 16 years old. This includes a short introduction on the work of the Court and the possibility to attend a hearing should one be in session on that day.

The maximum number of participants for such visits is 40 persons.

Please note that we are not able to accept high school groups who are below the age of 16.

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Stakeholders

Stakeholders

Tailored working visits are organized for groups of State representatives, judges, prosecutors, civil society representatives and other stakeholders. A typical programme takes place from 09:30 to 12:00 or from 14:00 to 16:30 and includes meetings with representatives of the different Organs of the Court.

Access our Library

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The ICC Library holds a unique collection of specialized materials in the areas of international criminal law and procedure and background literature of relevance to the mandate of the Court. The reading room is open to researchers and practitioners upon request only. Please read the requirements below carefully before registering and contact the Library at least 5 workings days in advance of your intended visit to the ICC.

Pre-visit information

Register

 

 


 

Judicial Recess and Official Holidays of the Court

  • Spring 2024

    from Friday 29 March (17:30)
    until Monday 8 April (09:00)

  • Summer 2024
    from Friday 26 July (17:30)
    until Monday 19 August (09:00)

  • Winter 2024/2025

    from Friday 13 December 2024 (17:30)
    until Monday 6 January 2025 (09:00)


  • 1 January - New Year's Day
  • 29 March - Good Friday
  • 1 April - Easter Monday
  • 10 April - Eid al-Fitr Day
  • 26 April - King's Day
  • 9 May - Ascension Day
  • 17 June - Eid al-Adha Day
  • 11 October - Yom Kippur Day
  • 25 December - Christmas Day
  • 26 December - Boxing Day
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