Is there a different visa procedure for Azerbaijan if you're going there for Eurovision?

I was just talking to a bunch of cyclists outside the Azeri embassy or consulate here in Batumi Georgia. Everybody was waiting for it to open so they could get their Azeri visas and we were talking about how the visa is a bit of a pain compared to the neighbouring countries. I brought up the point that I expected Azerbaijan to change their picky visa rules to encourage people to go there due to them being the 2012 hosts of Eurovision.

One of the guys in the queue was telling me that there is a whole different procedure for a visa if you're going to this event, which seems odd. None of the people in the group were attending though so I couldn't find out more about it.

Best Answer

Check the relevant page on most Azeri embassy websites. Here's the one for the embassy in Holland:

http://www.azembassy.nl/index.php?options=news&id=13&news_id=178

In short:

With an invite (press, say) or ticket (the public), you can get a visa for Azerbaijan upon entering the country through one of the international airports. You can not get a visa, this way, when entering the country overland. You will be issued your visa immediately (but it seems it will still cost you).
With an invite or ticket, you can get a visa for Azerbaijan at any Azeri embassy. Depending on the embassy, this can take anything from 'a few' to 10 days.
Citizens from non-participating countries still have to get visas 'the old way', that is, through Azeri embassies.

See you in Baku!

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Can I get visa on arrival in Azerbaijan?

The Azerbaijan Visa on Arrival is a convenient and fast way to obtain a traveling permit, but there are a few things to keep in mind. One advantage is that you can receive it at any international airport in the world. That means you don't have to visit a local embassy to receive it.

Which countries can visit Azerbaijan without visa?

Name of the countryPeriod of visa-free stay in its territory1.Iran15 days2.Serbia90 days3.North Macedonia (from March 16, 2021, till March 15, 2022)90 days4.Montenegro90 days4 more rows

When Azerbaijan visa will open?

AZERBAIJAN IS OPEN: Azerbaijan partially re-opened for tourism on 21 June 2021. In January 2017, the Republic of Azerbaijan introduced electronic visas for citizens of 81 countries. The system is called ASAN Visa and issues single-entry visas for up to 30 days in Total.

How much does a visa for Azerbaijan cost?

When applying for e-visas to Azerbaijan, note the following: you must apply at least 3 working days before your visit. your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the e-visa expires. the e-visa fee is $25 USD, an urgent e-visa is $60 USD and is non-refundable.

How To Get Azerbaijan online e-Visa

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