As we predicted couple of months ago Azeri authorities had to simplify visa procedures to cope with the influx of guests that are expected to come to Azerbaijan in May 2012 for Eurovision song contest. Rules are not really straightforward and has no effect for citizens of those countries that are not participating in the contest, in other words citizens of America, Australia and Asia still would have to obtain Azeri visas through the more complicated procedure that is still in place.

Getting visas in Baku airport (very doubtful that tourists start arriving through other international airports in Ganja, Lenkoran and Nakhichevan - there are actually no flights to those airports from Europe where most of the people will be coming from) surely would make life easier but still there are many questions remaining open. What about those people who hold no ticket for Eurovision and just plan to come to see the country and enjoy to Eurovision atmosphere only. It is still not clear where to buy tickets from. How to book hotels when there is a block on all bookings for all hotels in Baku form the Ministry of Culture & Tourism of Azerbaijan.

Besides one should not be a genius to predict long queues and hours wait in Baku airport for those who would risk to get visa upon arrival. This system was existing quite a long until October 2010 and it was taking on average 10-15 minutes per person to get a visa. With only 1 visa official at a desk and only couple of people applying from each plane that was OK. When it was coming to some international events (like friendly games in football) with supporters/fans/guests arriving in groups it was literally chaos with queues of up to 6 hours taking place. Now imagine many flights, much more people.... Hopefully they would be prepared to cope with all of them... 

Anyway, here are the details for the new  visa procedure

Azerbaijani President issues decree on simplification of the procedures for issuing visas to the foreigners and stateless persons visiting the country in connection with the “Eurovision Song Contest-2012”

 

As Azerbaijani authorities announce a simplified visa procedure for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU announces more details about press and fan accreditation for the upcoming edition of Europe's favourite TV show. Details about official hotels and ticket sales are due, but upcoming.

Visa information

Visa is required for those travelling into Azerbaijan. A simplified visa procedure applies to individuals visiting Baku for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.

Please inform yourself of the relevant procedure below:

Accredited individuals

• As from Thursday 10 May, accredited delegates, accredited journalists and accredited fans can obtain their entry visa upon arrival at Baku International Airport
• You will receive single-entry visa for your stay, valid until 1 June
• You need to bring:
  • a filled out application form (available on the plane and at the airport)
  • your passport, which is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Baku
  • 2 (two) passport-size colored photos of 3 by 4 centimeter, against a white background
  • AZN 60 visa fee (approximately EUR 60), to be paid upon arrival
  • a print-out of your accreditation confirmation email

It is also possible to apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in your country. Please visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate for more information.

Accredited delegates and organisers can already obtain a visa as from 15 April with an official invitation letter from the Host Broadcaster, Ictimai TV.

Ticket holders

• As from Thursday 10 May, holders of a 2012 Eurovision Song Contest ticket can obtain their entry visa upon arrival at Baku International Airport
• You will receive single-entry visa for your stay, valid until 1 June
• You need to bring:
  • a filled out application form (available on the plane and at the airport)
  • your passport, which is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Baku
  • 2 (two) passport-size colored photos of 3 by 4 centimeter, against a white background
  • AZN 60 visa fee (approximately EUR 60), to be paid upon arrival
  • a print-out of your ticket booking confirmation

Other invited guests

• Invited guests with an official invitation letter from Ictimai TV to the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest can obtain their entry visa upon arrival at Baku International Airport as from Thursday 10 May, or obtain a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in your country
• You will receive single-entry visa for your stay, valid until 1 June
• You need to bring:
  • a filled out application form (available on the plane and at the airport)
  • your passport, which is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Baku
  • 2 (two) passport-size colored photos of 3 by 4 centimeter, against a white background
  • AZN 60 visa fee (approximately EUR 60), to be paid upon arrival
  • the official invitation letter to the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, issued by Ictimai TV

Journalists that wish to travel to Azerbaijan prior to 10 May should send their request to press@eurovision.tv at least four weeks prior to their planned journey.

Note that in accordance with Azerbaijani law, individuals who have travelled to the Nagorno-Karabach region without permission from the Azeri authorities cannot obtain visa to enter Azerbaijan.

Accreditation

Application for delegate, press and fan accreditation takes place online, through the Eurovision Family Accreditation System (EFAS). Accreditation opens on Wednesday 15 February at 12:00 CET and closes at 23:59 (CET) on 20 April.

Please note that accreditation after the deadline cannot be guaranteed and could only be provided in exceptional cases.

 

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