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.
Are you currently unable to come and visit us in person? Contact us for a Virtual General Information Visit.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Judicial Recess and Official Holidays of the Court
- Winter 2023/2024
from Friday 15 December 2023 (17:30)
until Monday 8 January 2024 (09:00) - 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 2024 (09:00)
2023
- 25 December - Christmas Day
- 26 December - Boxing Day
2024
- 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