Azerbaijan during the European Games: what you probably don't know (part 2)

So apparently a new limitation (or more like a ban) is imposed on the local residents of Baku. Turns out now the residents who reside in buildings on the main streets overlooking avenues, and downtown Baku wont be able to hang clothes outside on their balconies (!)

Residents of some buildings say they were "informed" about the new regulation by some "directorship" who plastered posters on the buildings in downtown Baku.

Locals believe this new "regulation" comes in the preparation to the European Games so as not to "disturb" the beauty and esthetics of the city. Haha!

So yea, if you are in town for the games, please be aware that because of these unnecessary, expensive and overrated games Baku's local residents are even being prevented from their Eco-friendly, traditional ways of drying clothes. 

If you were ever interested in visiting Azerbaijan, now is the time!

Azerbaijan is a beautiful country. I personally love the country side, especially the north where one can find waterfalls, gorgeous mountains, stunning views not to mention mind blowing food that will leave you craving for more.

That is aside from the issues - poverty, unemployment, crackdown on freedom of speech and rights abuse. But hey here is a unique chance to see and taste both.

Normally its rather difficult to get into the country. Yes, surely there is a visa application process, but often it takes longer that the consulate/embassy promises too and every once in a while they can choose whether you actually deserve a visa or not.

But now that the country is about to host the European Games the visa regime is really simplified. You can actually obtain your visa at any of the listed airports (Ganja, Zaqatala, Nakhchivan (!), Baku and Gebele) so long as you provide a valid ticket for the games, an application form, passport sized photographs, visa fee, a travel document valid for at least three months (there is actually an additional comment on the website of Baku European Games warning that if your passport is even a day short you wont get a visa so make sure its all legit).

So if you are still interested, and would like to see both the overground and the underground of Azerbaijan and the "Dubainised Baku" here is your chance. Or until we get to host some other ridiculous international event.

To check visa fees click here and here is a price list for the games.

Good luck and enjoy!

Electronic visas to be introduced for Azerbaijan

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It was almost a year ago, when on October 15th 2010, Azerbaijani authorities declared new visa regulations for foreign nationals. If prior it was possible to obtain visas at the arrival, from now on, each foreign national had to apply for a visa through Azerbaijani embassy in their respective countries. However, looks like the regulations are going to change as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced just recently of new electronic visas to be available for foreign citizens. 

According to Aydin Ismiyev (original article is available here [AZ]), head of the tourism department at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, work is under way however, there are no tentative dates as to when this service will be available. Ismiyev says once the service is approved, potential visitors will now be able to apply online for their visas through the Azerbaijani embassies in their countries (all the documents will be submitted online). The process will take about 15 days. 

Not sure if this is going to ease the process but who knows, perhaps having to host Eurovision 2012 in Azerbaijan next year, somethings should start to change sooner than later.