"Newcastle" will be hosted by "Qarabag" in Baku as part of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off stage. Sport24.az reports that the English club has appealed to its fans who will visit Azerbaijan. The club informed the fans about Baku:
"Everyone visiting Azerbaijan must have a valid passport and obtain a visa to enter the country. It is recommended to allow approximately one week for the review and approval of the visa application.
Fans are advised to familiarize themselves with the requirements before entering the country. In addition, it is advisable to obtain travel insurance before arriving in the country.
The currency is Manat (AZN). Visa/Mastercard ATMs are available. Card and contactless payments are widely used in Baku.
The journey from the airport to the city center takes approximately 20–30 minutes. It is recommended to use reliable mobile applications that may be cheaper than local taxis. "Bolt" is the most common taxi service. It is recommended to download the application after landing.
It is advisable to download the local "Uber AZ" application, as the regular "Uber" application may not work after arriving in the country.
The bus is cheaper, but it takes approximately 30–40 minutes. There is a bus line from the airport directly to the city center.
Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium is located at Fatali Khan Khoyski street 10. Fans are asked to come to the meeting point in Shahriyar Park at 19:00.
You can take a taxi to the stadium, but please note that the roads around the stadium will be closed.
The metro operates from 06:00 to 00:00. To use the metro, you need to buy a "BakuCard". You can load the card with as many trips as you want, and it is a convenient way to get around the city. Even if you want to take a single trip, a "BakuCard" is required.
If you are staying in the city center, the nearest metro station is "Sahil". This station is located on the Red Line, which takes you directly to the stadium. The nearest drop-off point is "Genclik" station. Follow the direction signs towards the south side of the stadium, where the turnstiles for visiting fans are located.
After the match, "Newcastle" fans will be held in the stadium for 30 minutes. Fans are advised to remain in their seats unless they are using the stadium's facilities. Please note that fans will be escorted from the stadium by police.
In Baku, the local police exercise general control over the operation of the stadium and the management of fans. If you are detained, ask to contact the British Embassy.
As when traveling to any city, it is important to be careful and vigilant against pickpocketing. Be careful at airports, train stations, in the city center and when using public transport.
The month of Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, with fasting starting at dawn on Wednesday, February 18. During this period, you are asked to respect the local residents and culture who are fasting.
It is especially important to pay attention to your behavior around places and monuments of historical importance. The Alley of Martyrs is a particularly sensitive place, and disrespectful or disturbing behavior in such areas may result in police intervention."
Note that the match "Qarabag" - "Newcastle" will be held on February 18 at Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium and will start at 21:45.