Culture policy

Culture policy

Details on visa and accreditation for Baku

10 February 2012 18:39 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. 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, APA reports quoting eurovision.tv.
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 [email protected] 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.

Tickets & official hotels
More information about ticket sales and official hotels is expected very shortly. Stay tuned for more information on Eurovision.tv!

A detailed Q&A will be available in due time as well, answering a variety of questions about travelling to Azerbaijan for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.