Azerbaijan offers entry visas at the airport for Formula One fans who have tickets to the race as well as for accredited staff. This decision has been made to increase spectator attendance and expand the economic impact of the Formula One Baku Grand Prix, which will take place this weekend.
Visa Application Process
Fans who have valid race tickets — whether physical or electronic — or have the necessary accreditation from relevant organizations such as Formula One Management Limited, FIA, or Baku City Circuit Operations Company, can obtain their visa at the airport upon arrival in Azerbaijan. Travelers without tickets must apply through the ASAN electronic visa system or through the Azerbaijan embassy or consulate.
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Important Dates and Economic Impact
This facility will be valid until September 30, four days after the race day on September 26. For the first time in the history of Formula One Baku, the race will be held on a Saturday to honor Azerbaijan's National Remembrance Day on September 27. Statistics show that over 80% of spectators at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix were from foreign countries, each spending an average of over $2,200 (€2,000) during the race weekend. Additionally, 72% of them stated that they intend to return to Baku within the next two years.
Florian Zangstschmied, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Agency, stated that the late booking habits of motorsport fans make entry visas very beneficial. He said: "Formula One fans usually decide at the last minute, and the entry visa against a ticket or accreditation allows sudden decisions to turn into a weekend in Baku." Zangstschmied also referred to the expansion of travel to destinations such as Gabala, Shaki, and the Absheron Peninsula, saying: "This is where sustainable value lies for us: turning a three-day motorsport trip into a week in Azerbaijan and converting a first-time visitor into a returning visitor."
Several other hosts of major sporting events have introduced similar measures. For example, Brazil waived visa fees for World Cup ticket holders in 2014, and Qatar used Hayya cards as general entry permits during the 2022 tournaments.
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