The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent update for UK tourists planning to travel to Azerbaijan. The new travel guidance warns that visitors must apply for a special visa by May 22, 2026, to attend the World Urban Forum (WUF13) event in May.
New Visa Procedures for World Urban Forum
On Friday, May 8, the FCDO shared updated information on visa procedures for travelers heading to Azerbaijan in connection with the World Urban Forum (WUF13). The government of the Republic of Azerbaijan will issue a “WUF13 Special Visa” free of charge to participants registered through UN-Habitat’s online registration system.
Once registration is confirmed, applicants may apply either via the dedicated electronic visa link provided in their confirmation email or through the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK. The WUF13 Special Visa permits single entry and a stay of up to 30 days in Azerbaijan.
Application Deadline and Requirements
The FCDO emphasized that applications may be submitted until May 22, 2026, urging British tourists and visitors to act sooner rather than later. Further information, including application requirements, is available on the official WUF13 visa information website. All foreign participants traveling to Azerbaijan for WUF13 must hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond the visa expiry date.
The “WUF13 Special Visa” will be issued within three working days after submission of a complete application through the official electronic visa portal or through the diplomatic missions and consulates of the Republic of Azerbaijan abroad. Visa holders must leave the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan before the visa expiry date.
Additional Details for Visa Applicants
Participants applying through diplomatic missions or consulates abroad must present a visa application form, a valid passport or other travel document, two color photos (3 x 4 cm) matching biometric identification requirements, and a copy of the WUF13 registration confirmation email or letter.
