Spanning Europe and Asia and nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Baku is about to become the latest location to host Formula One. The capital city of Azerbaijan will provide what’s predicted to be the fastest street circuit of the season, designed by internationally renowned F1 track architect Hermann Tilke. Practice kicks off on Friday, June 17 with the main event taking place on Sunday, June 19.

Here’s what you need to plan flight operations to Baku.

Airport

Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport, AZE UBBB

Latitude/longitude: N 40° 28.2′ E 50° 03.1′
Mag Var: 4.9°E
Elevation: 10′
Fuel: Jet A-1
Time Zone Info: GMT+4:00 uses DST

Private flights

Overflight permits are not required
Landing permits are required

Non-scheduled flights

Overflight permits are not required
Landing permits are required

Note:

Slot approval must be requested in advance – at least three days prior arrival
The most congested hours at UBBB are 0800L-1100L and 1630L-1900L

Fuel Service

UAS offer supply via truck/bowser fuel delivery
JET A1 readily available

Immigration

A passport and visa are required for all visitors

Visa issuance

Any person holding an official invitation letter issued by the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan (or another Azerbaijan government authority) can obtain a visa on arrival.

Employees of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and their dependents can obtain a visa on arrival if holding an official invitation letter from the ADB.

Visitors can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum of 30 days. They must also hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of the visa validity, onward or return tickets and two color passport photos, with a white background. Fees vary between EUR 35 and EUR 90 depending on the nationality of the applicant.

Note: Travelers visiting relatives must register with the local police. This can also be arranged by your hotel.

Crew

All crew members require a passport and a General Declaration Form and must be traveling in uniform
A visa is not required

Customs

Import regulations

Free import by persons of 16 years and over:

1,000 cigarettes or 1,000 grams of tobacco products
5 liters of alcoholic beverages and 2 liters of wine
Perfume for personal use only
Goods up to an amount of USD 10,000 for non-residents

Prohibited items: Photographs and printed matter directed against Azerbaijan, live animals (subject to special permit), military arms and ammunition, narcotics, fruit, and vegetables.

Export regulations

It is prohibited to export: Arms, ammunition, precious metals (gold, silver), precious stones or real pearls, furs, antiquities and art objects (these are subject to duty and require a special permit from the ministry of culture).

Passengers must declare all personal effects that fall under the above criteria upon arrival.

Baggage Clearance

Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Azerbaijan
Baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of the CIS is exempt

Airport Tax

There is no airport tax levied on passengers at this airport.

Currency

Azerbaijani manat

Import regulations

Non-residents can carry unlimited foreign currencies provided they make a declaration stamped by Customs at Baku.

Export regulations

Non-residents can leave with the amount imported and declared (proof of import must be presented otherwise a maximum of USD 1,000 only can be exported).

Accommodation

The following hotels are within 3 km of Baku:

Highpark
Excelsior Hotel And Spa Baku
Highpark
Divan Express Baku
Teatro Boutique Hotel
Qafqaz Park Hotel
Premier Hotel
Consul Hotel

Hotels close to the airport:

Sheraton Baku Airport Hotel
Days Hotel Baku Azerbaijan
Khazar Beach Hotel

Transport

Bus

A direct express minibus (Number 116) operates from Baku City center every 30 minutes from early morning until late night. It approximately 30–40 minutes from the airport to the city.

Car

The airport is 20 km northeast of Baku and is linked to the city by two modern highways – Airport Highway and Zigh-Airport Highway. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.