Azerbaijan is using simplified entry procedures to support the arrival of international visitors attending major sporting events.
After introducing a special visa arrangement in late August for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the authorities have now adopted a similar measure for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, which will be held in the Azerbaijani capital in October.
Under a decision published on September 21, 2026, certain foreign nationals and stateless persons traveling to Azerbaijan in connection with the football tournament will be able to obtain their visas upon arrival at the country’s international airports from September 22 through November 5, 2026.
Football: Visa on arrival for invited or accredited participants
The temporary measure applies to foreign nationals and stateless persons who can present one of the following documents required by the authorities:
- an official invitation letter from the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA);
- a document confirming accreditation issued through the FIFA system.
The decision does not list a regular match ticket as one of the documents qualifying travelers for a visa on arrival. Spectators who do not have either an AFFA invitation or FIFA accreditation should therefore not treat the measure as an exemption from Azerbaijan’s standard entry requirements.
The first FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival is expected to bring more than 3,000 players, coaches and officials to Baku, with 191 FIFA member associations represented and nearly 1,000 matches scheduled.
Formula 1: A Race Ticket Can Qualify Travelers for a Visa on Arrival
Azerbaijan had already used this type of arrangement in 2025. For the previous Baku Grand Prix, Azerbaijani authorities allowed ticket holders and accredited participants to obtain their visas directly upon arrival in the country.
The arrangement is therefore being renewed for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for September 24-26, 2026.
From August 25 through September 30, 2026, travelers connected with the event can obtain their visas at Azerbaijan’s international airports.
Authorities accept a Grand Prix ticket, including an electronic ticket, or a document confirming its purchase. Travelers holding accreditation issued in connection with Formula 1, the FIA or the Baku City Circuit can also use this procedure.
The two special arrangements will even overlap for several days: from September 22 through September 30, 2026, separate visa-on-arrival procedures will be in place at the same time for both events.
Temporary measures, not a general change to Azerbaijan’s visa policy
The measures remain temporary and are directly tied to the events concerned. They do not amount to a broader extension of visa-on-arrival access to all foreign visitors.
Travelers who require a visa and do not qualify under these special arrangements can continue to use the official ASAN Visa system. Azerbaijan offers a standard e-Visa, which should be requested at least three business days before arrival, as well as an expedited option advertised with processing in as little as three hours.
The growing use of these temporary arrangements nevertheless shows how Azerbaijan is adapting its entry procedures when Baku hosts major international events drawing large numbers of overseas visitors.
VisasNews Take
The visa measures announced for Formula 1 and the FIFA U-15 tournament are not the same. For the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race ticket, including an electronic ticket, can qualify a traveler for a visa on arrival. For the football competition, the option is limited to people holding an official AFFA invitation or FIFA accreditation. All other travelers remain subject to Azerbaijan’s standard entry requirements.
