Most international visitors require a visa to enter Australia. We recommend applying for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). The organizing committee plans to provide invitation letters to support your visa application. Please begin your visa application process well in advance.
Will ICO provide visa invitation letters?
Yes, upon confirmed registration, we aim to issue official invitation letters for visa purposes. These letters will include event details, accommodation information, and confirmation of your participation. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing.
What documents do I need for Australian entry?
You will need: a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), approved visa, travel insurance documentation, return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and ICO invitation letter. Keep copies of all documents both printed and digital.
Is accommodation included in the registration fee?
Yes, the registration fee is expected to include 5 nights of accommodation (June 27 - July 2) at designated partner hotels near Macquarie University. Rooms are shared (2 contestants per room, 1-2 persons per room for leaders depending on availability). Please understand the organizing committee's arrangements. All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are planned to be included.
Can I extend my stay before or after the event?
Yes, you can request extended accommodation at partner hotels at preferential rates. Please indicate your requirements during registration. Additional nights are subject to availability and will be charged separately.
Are meals provided during the event?
Yes, all meals are planned to be included: daily breakfast at the hotel, lunch at the venue during competition days, and organized dinners. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, allergies) can be accommodated - please specify during registration.
How are teams selected to participate?
Each country/territory is represented by one official team selected through national competitions or national organization selection processes. If your country doesn't have an official ICO organization, please contact us to learn about establishing one.
What is the competition format?
ICO 2026 features two 7-hour competition days with jeopardy-style CTF challenges. Each day has 3 tasks, each worth 100 points, split into subtasks with individual flags. Both days follow the same format. Contestants are ranked individually based on the sum of points across both days.
What equipment is provided during competition?
Contestants must bring their own laptop (one each). Peripherals such as mice, keyboards, power adapters, and external drives are allowed. No external monitors, desktop computers, or additional devices (including mobile phones) are permitted in the competition arena. The competition is cloud-hosted and accessed via Wireguard VPN. For detailed technical requirements, please refer to the Competition Guide.
What are the age requirements for contestants?
Contestants must not be older than 20 years on the 1st of July 2026. They must have been enrolled in secondary education during September to December 2025. No polytechnic or university students are allowed to participate. Team leaders and deputies have no age restrictions.
How are winners determined?
ICO plans to award Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals based on final individual rankings. Approximate medal ratios are 1/12 Gold, 2/12 Silver, and 3/12 Bronze (subject to confirmation). There are no bonus points for first solves or particularly clever solutions. Ties are broken by the sum of last point-increase times per day.
Is AI usage allowed during the competition?
Unrestricted AI use is strictly prohibited during the competition. All AI usage will be monitored through a provided AI chat platform. Any unauthorised use will be investigated and may result in disqualification. Note that there are no restrictions on AI use during preparation before the contest.
What is the registration fee?
Early Bird (Jan 15 - Mar 1): Team EUR 1,900, Observer EUR 1,600. Standard (Mar 2 - Apr 10): Team EUR 2,300, Observer EUR 1,700. Late (Apr 11 - May 1): Team EUR 2,600, Observer EUR 1,800. Fees include accommodation, meals, excursions, and all event materials.
Is airport transfer provided?
Airport transfers between Sydney Airport (SYD) and official hotels are planned to be provided on designated arrival (June 27) and departure (July 2) days. If you arrive outside these times, you can take the Metro or taxi to Macquarie University area.
What language is used during ICO?
English is the primary working language of ICO 2026. All competition materials, instructions, and communications will be in English. Team leaders may translate for their contestants during non-competition activities.
How can my country participate for the first time?
New countries are welcome! Contact us through the registration form to express interest. We'll help you understand the process of establishing a national ICO organization or connecting with existing regional coordinators. First-time participating countries receive additional support.
Can observers or family members attend?
Yes, observers can register with an Observer Pass which includes accommodation, meals, and access to non-competition events (opening ceremony, closing ceremony, excursions). Observers cannot access competition areas during active challenges.