Traveling to COP29
The information below is intended as a helpful starting guide as you begin your preparations to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29. It should not be considered a complete list of all travel considerations and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of third-party information. We highly encourage you to do your own due diligence when making your travel arrangements.
We strongly recommend you review the Travel Advice and Advisories for Azerbaijan for the latest information and warnings about travel in the area.
Additional Resources (Coming Soon)
Passport & Visa Requirements
If you are travelling to the Azerbaijan you will require a visa to enter the country regardless of your national passport. Foreign participants must have a passport which is valid for a minimum period of 6 months from your date of entry into Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Government has authorized a ‘COP29″ Special Visa’, free of charge, for all participants registered for COP29.
Useful Links:
Traveling on a COP29 Azerbaijan Visa
This information was sourced from the COP29 website.
All COP29 participants traveling from outside Azerbaijan will require a visa.
The Azerbaijani Government has authorized a ‘COP29 Special Visa’, free of charge, for all participants registered for COP29.
The ‘COP29 Special Visa’ can be obtained either through the official electronic visa portal or Azerbaijan’s diplomatic representations and consulates abroad.
The ‘COP29 Special Visa’ allows the holder a single-entry visit. Should you wish to leave Azerbaijan and return during COP29, you must reapply for the ‘COP29 Special Visa’ following the same process used for your initial visa, using your UNFCCC registration number.
All foreign participants entering Azerbaijan for COP29 and the pre-sessionals must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Azerbaijan.
The ‘COP29 Special Visa’ will be issued within three (3) working days of submitting a complete online application through the official portal, or upon submitting a complete application to a local office of the diplomatic representations and consulates of the Republic of Azerbaijan abroad.
Upon approval of registration via the UNFCCC Online Registration System, participants will receive a link to apply for the visa as part of the UNFCCC registration confirmation email.
The ‘COP29 Special Visa’ will indicate the date of issue. It will be valid until 30th November 2024. Visa holders must enter the Republic of Azerbaijan before this expiration date.
Through the link, please visit the visa portal, fill out the form, upload the required documents and submit your application for approval. Once approved, you will receive a visa confirmation email with a link to download your ‘COP29 Special Visa’.
Participants are strongly encouraged to apply for the ‘COP29 Special Visa’ promptly once their UNFCCC registration is confirmed. Please use the visa portal link in your UNFCCC registration email to track the status of your visa.
For queries concerning visa arrangements, please contact: visas@unfccc.int
Flights & Accommodations
CRIN is working with Uniglobe Carefree Travel for flight and accommodation logistics. For those wishing to travel as part of the CRIN Pavilion team, please contact:
Uniglobe Carefree Travel
Cheryl Gray: cherylg@uniglobecarefree.ca
778-370-2487 or 1-888-221-5221
Culture & Etiquette
Below is some general information about things to consider and prepare for to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting Baku.
Language
The official language is Azerbaijani, or Azeri, a Turkic language. Russian is widely spoken.
Hospitality
Azerbaijan is known for its hospitality. Guests are welcomed with warmth and respect, and with tea and meals. Note that it is not customary for Azeris to smile at strangers.
Currency
Azerbaijani Manat is the currency of Azerbaijan
Tea Culture
Tea culture is an important part of daily life and a social practice that demonstrates hospitality. Strong black tea is usually consumed in a pear-shaped glass and served with lemon and sugar. Locals dunk a sugar cube in the tea, bite off the sugar, then sip the tea.
Food
Typical menu items include grilled kebabs, rice dishes, stuffed vine leaves, ground meat, flatbread, fish, soups, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Etiquette tips
- Typical business attire is formal and conservative.
- Politeness is important during business meetings. It is customary to begin a business meeting with a casual conversation about work and family.
- Maintain eye contact while speaking. Avoid sensitive topics such as politics and don’t raise your voice in a conversation.
- Address elders with respect.
- It’s typical to offer a gift at least three times, or when offered a gift, only accept it after three offerings.
- Use your right hand only to eat and to pass things.
- Ask people for permission to take their photograph.
- Tipping is common in restaurants.
Greetings and Key Phrases
- The typical greeting is Salam.
- Thank you is Cox sag olun, pronounced choh sag olun.
- To say goodbye, you can say Sag olun or Helelik (translates to “see you”).
- Excuse me/sorry is Bagislayin, pronounced bagishlayin.
- Men typically greet each other with a handshake. If greeting a woman, wait for her to offer a handshake.
Transportation
Buses, metro and taxis are available to help you navigate your way around Baku.
Religion
Azerbaijan is a secular country with no official religion. However, the majority of the population is Muslim.