Azerbaijan simplifies visa procedures for participants and spectators of "Eurovision-2012"

The participants of the song contest "Eurovision-2012" to be held in Baku this May, as well as the audience, members of fan clubs, journalists, etc. will be able to get visas under a simplified procedure.

The simplifications were introduced by the respective decree signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev on February 10.

According to the document, citizens and stateless persons-permanent residents of the countries-participants of the "Eurovision-2012" can obtain their entry visas in structural units of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, operating at international airports of Azerbaijan.

The basis for issuing visas at airports are the official invitation letter issued by the Organizing Committee of the contest, a document confirming passage of accreditation in accordance with the relevant regulations of the European Broadcasting Union, as well as tickets to the concerts of "Eurovision-2012", or a document confirming the purchase of tickets.

Currently, the visa-free regime is in force between Azerbaijan and Georgia and with the CIS member-states. Citizens of other countries, including Europe, may obtain their entry visas to Azerbaijan at the republic's embassies and consulates in respective countries. The exception is Turkey, whose citizens can obtain visas at international airports of Azerbaijan.