Azerbaijan Simplifies Visa Procedures for Formula 1 and the FIFA U-15 World Cup

In September 2026, Azerbaijan decided to temporarily ease entry requirements to make it easier for international visitors to travel to Baku for the Formula 1 race, the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup, and the accompanying festival. After introducing special regulations for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in late August, the country is now following suit with a similar measure for the soccer tournament in October. This is based on a decision published on September 21, 2026, according to which certain foreign nationals and stateless persons entering the country in connection with the tournament can obtain a visa upon arrival at the country’s international airports from September 22 through November 5, 2026.

However, it is important to note that this measure does not apply across the board to all travelers. It applies exclusively to individuals who can present one of the following documents: either an official invitation letter from the Azerbaijan Football Federation (AFFA) or proof of accreditation issued through the FIFA system. A regular ticket to a match is therefore not sufficient to qualify for the visa-on-arrival program. Spectators who have neither an AFFA invitation nor FIFA accreditation should therefore continue to comply with Azerbaijan’s regular entry requirements and apply for an appropriate visa in a timely manner.

For the vast majority of travelers wishing to visit Azerbaijan for tourism, business, or personal reasons—regardless of the aforementioned sporting events—the standard process via an e-visa or a traditional visa remains in effect. For example, anyone wishing to travel as a spectator without official accreditation should check well in advance which type of visa is appropriate for their situation. We handle the entire application process for our clients and ensure that all documents are submitted correctly and on time.

Especially when making last-minute travel plans around such major events, it is advisable not to rely on special provisions unless you clearly belong to an eligible group. The conditions for entry without a visa in advance are strictly defined and tied to specific documentation that must be arranged beforehand. Travelers who, for example, wish to visit the city of Baku as tourists during the Formula 1 race or the World Cup should therefore apply for a tourist visa for Azerbaijan well in advance to avoid delays upon entry.

The same applies to business travel related to such international events—for example, for sponsors, suppliers, or media representatives without official accreditation—where the standard visa requirement remains in effect. In this case, we recommend applying for a business visa for Azerbaijan, which is specifically tailored to the needs of business travelers. We review the respective requirements on a case-by-case basis and ensure that the application meets current requirements.

If you’re unsure which type of visa is right for your trip to Azerbaijan, you can get an overview of the various options, such as the e-visa for Azerbaijan, which offers a quick and straightforward solution for many travel purposes. Given the limited duration of the special regulation and the clearly defined requirements, early and careful preparation of the visa application remains the safest way for most international visitors to experience the sporting events in Baku without any entry issues.