Azerbaijan eases visa rules for Formula 1 visitors

In a significant move to facilitate international travel for the upcoming Formula 1 event in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order simplifying visa procedures for foreigners and stateless persons. This change aims to streamline the entry process for those attending the Formula 1 competition scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in 2024.

The official announcement was made on the President of Azerbaijan’s official website, Caliber.Az reports.

Under the new provisions, visitors travelling to Azerbaijan specifically for the Formula 1 events will be able to obtain their visas upon arrival at international airports in the country. This streamlined process will be in effect from August 15 to September 30, 2024.

To qualify for a visa under this special provision, applicants must present one of the following documents:

• An accreditation card that verifies their participation in the Formula 1 event, is issued by either Formula One Management Limited or the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which are the international organizers of the Formula 1 competition.
• An accreditation card from the "Baku City Circuit" Operating Company, which manages Formula 1 in Baku.
• A valid ticket to the Formula 1 races or a document confirming the purchase of such a ticket.

In addition to these changes, the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan has been instructed to communicate these updated visa procedures to airlines operating flights to Azerbaijan.

This year the competition will be held in Baku on September 13-15.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was first held in 2016.

Past races have seen a variety of winners due to the circuit's unpredictable nature. Notable winners include Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen.