General information for the eighth session of the Committee

VENUE OF THE EIGHTH SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE

The eighth session of the Intergovernmental Committee will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Monday 2 to Saturday 7 December 2013 at the JW Marriott, Absheron, Baku:

Address: 674, Azadliq Square, Baku AZ1010, Azerbaijan
Phone: +99412 499 88 00 / Fax: +99412 499 88 89
E-mail: jw.marriott.sales@marriott.com; jw.baku.sales@marriott.com
URL: http://www.jwmarriottbaku.com

A cultural programme is planned for Sunday 8 December 2013. As is customary, an NGO Forum will take place on the eve of the opening session, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 1 December 2013.

PASSPORT, VISA AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION

Passport Regulations

All international visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 (six) months from the day of their arrival in Azerbaijan.
Arrival to and departure from Republic of Azerbaijan is exercised under one of the following documents:

National Passport
Diplomatic Passport
Service Passport

Visas

All participants must check entry requirements to Azerbaijan in accordance with the nationality and the type of passport they hold with the nearest consulate or the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan. If necessary, visa must be obtained in advance.

For most citizens of the CIS countries the visa to Azerbaijan is not required.

For all enquiries concerning visas and other formalities required to enter the Republic of Azerbaijan, participants are requested to contact directly the consulate or the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan in their own country. Only if there is no Azerbaijani embassy in respective country/city, the visa will be provided upon participant’s arrival at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport. In this regard, the participant is required to submit a recent passport-sized color photograph, a copy of the passport as well as arrival and departure dates until 20th of October to the contact person Mr Bahruz Asgarov, email bahruz@ichazerbaijan2013.az; Tel: +99412 498 01 12.

The applicants who apply for visa at the embassy need two passport photos and a completed application form. Certain embassies demand either a letter of support from a travel agency or a hotel booking confirmation. Transit visas, usually valid for 72 hours, are issued to those with an onward ticket to a third country in the region.

Single and double-entry visas are usually issued in five days. Business and multi-entry visas require official invitation letters and referral to Baku, so generally take longer. Visa fees applied to foreign nationals are equal to the fees applied to Azerbaijan nationals. Fees generally need to be paid into a local bank (often a fair distance away), so don’t apply late in the day. Fees by country are listed here.

Nationals of the below listed countries are free from visa fees:
1. Holders of Turkish ordinary passports.

When issued at diplomatic missions or consulates;
10 USD charged for visa at international airports of Azerbaijan

2. Holders of ordinary Japanese passports receive 30-day free visa.
3. Holders of ordinary passports of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan receive 15-day free visa
Travelers are requested to verify, upon issuance, three essential elements of the granted visa:

authorized period of stay
dates of validity of the visa (date before which it is not possible to enter the territory of Azerbaijan and release date, beyond which the traveler will be in an irregular situation). A valid visa is required to leave the territory of Azerbaijan. If the visa expires before the departure of the country, payment of a fine will be required before the issuance of exit permits. The latter is valid for 48 hours after delivery and only issued by the State Migration Service.
the number of entries allowed.

Complete information on the subject is posted on the official web-site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Visa Assistance

All the embassies and consulates of the Republic of Azerbaijan have been instructed to assist the Committee participants in getting visa. Only if there is no Azerbaijani embassy in respective country/city, the visa will be provided upon participant’s arrival at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport. In this case, the participant is required to submit a recent passport-sized color photograph as well as arrival and departure dates until 20th of October to the contact person Mr Bahruz Asgarov, email bahruz@ichazerbaijan2013.az; Tel: +99412 498 01 12.

Transit Visa for other countries

If you travel to Azerbaijan via another country, or if you are planning to stopover elsewhere, you must familiarize yourself with the entry requirements of those countries. Please check with your travel consultant about the need for transit visas for all countries you may be travelling through on your way to or from Azerbaijan. The host organizers of the 8th session of the Committee are not responsible for facilitating transit visas for any countries other than Azerbaijan.

Medical Insurances and Services

A first-aid service will be provided for participants at the meeting venue and all the recommended hotels by the Local Organizing Committee. All other medical services will not be covered. Participants are expected to assume the costs of any medical treatment that they might receive while in Baku. It is strongly recommended that medical insurance be purchased in your home country to cover you in Azerbaijan as well as any other destinations on your journey.

Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and clinics in Baku offering a wide range of medical services. Pharmacies are common throughout Baku and carry a wide range of medicine. Prescriptions are normally required. Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service.

For more info on Public Health services please click here.

Getting to and departing from Baku/Azerbaijan

Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport is one of the five international airports serving in Azerbaijan. The airport is located 20 km northeast of the capital Baku and is linked to the city by two modern highways commissioned in 2008 and 2009. Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport complies with international requirements. Due to its favorable geographical location, it has become a first-choice regional airport for transfer flights between East and West, North and South.

To assist participants attending the 8th session of the Committee, a clearly indicated airport welcome desk will be set up at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport from 29 November to 10 December 2013.
To facilitate airport transportation arrangements, participants’ expected date and time of arrival in Baku and flight details should be communicated as soon as possible to the addresses specified in the Hotel reservation and excursion registration form. Any subsequent changes should be similarly communicated.

It is requested that the confirmed flight details of all participants, especially participating Heads of State/Government and ministerial-level Heads of Delegations, be provided, at least 10 working days in advance of the Meeting to the addresses specified in the Hotel reservation and excursion registration form.

The National Organizing Committee will provide shuttle transportation for participants from the airport to the officially designated hotels, as well as from the officially designated hotels to JW Marriott Absheron Baku, the place of meeting. For this purpose, kindly inform the National Organizing Committee regarding the arrival and departure schedules of each member of your delegation at least 10 working days prior to arrival in Baku.

Participants not staying at the officially designated hotels will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the airport, as well as between their respective hotels and JW Marriott Absheron Baku, the place of meeting (source: http://www.airport.az).

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

For the convenience of the participants in the meeting, the organizers have set agreements with the JW Marriott Absheron Baku, which is at the same time the meeting place of the Committee, and a number of other hotels for the duration of the meeting.

Participants are responsible for booking their own hotel room and for covering all costs incurred during their stay. Usually a credit card number will be required by hotels to reserve a room. To reserve a hotel, please use the following form: English/French

The prices are shown in Azerbaijani currency. Participants can get information about currency rates at the website of the International Bank of Azerbaijan at http://www.ibar.az.

JW Marriott Absheron Baku*****

Premier among Baku luxury hotels, JW Marriott Absheron Baku feature 243 elegant guest rooms with a view of the Caspian Sea and Baku city center. The hotel is located in the Baku’s city center on the Azadliq Square and directly connected to Baku Boulevard. Host inspiring gatherings in one of 13 event rooms with natural daylight, including the 1,208-square-meter ballroom.

Number of rooms: 56
Rates: Single: AZN 170 / Double: AZN 185

Distance to Committee meeting place: 0 minute
Address: 674, Azadliq Square, Baku AZ1010, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 499 88 00 / Fax: +99412 499 88 89
E-mail: jw.marriott.sales@marriott.com; jw.baku.sales@marriott.com
URL: http://www.marriott.com
Contact Person: Ms. Nailya Mustafayeva

Hilton Baku*****

Enjoy views of the Caspian Sea from the modern, stylish Hilton Baku hotel in the heart of Baku’s business district, just 30 minutes from Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Explore the 12th century UNESCO-protected walled city, Icheri Sheher, which is just a short walk from the hotel. Unwind in your spacious guest room or suite with contemporary décor and views of the city and Caspian Sea. Hold a meeting for up to 100 delegates in one of 18 meeting rooms and make use of the fully-equipped Business Center. Dine al fresco in the 24th-floor terrace restaurant, Sky Grill, and unwind with a cocktail in the top-floor revolving bar with 360-degree panoramic views.

Number of rooms: 125
Rates: Single: AZN 175 / Double: AZN 200 - Exclude 18% Valid Added Tax

Distance to Committee meeting place: 850 m, 3 min drive, 10 min walking
Address: 1B, Azadliq avenu, Baku AZ1000, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 464-50-00 / Fax: +99412 464-50-01
E-mail: baku.sales@hilton.com
URL: http://www.hilton.com
Contact Person: Huseyn Hasanov

Sapphire Hotel Baku*****

With its central location, Sapphire Hotel Baku is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Baku. The Sapphire Hotel Baku boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convenience to ensure you a memorable stay. Sapphire Hotel’s accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests satisfaction.

Number of rooms: 42
Rates: Single: AZN 110 / Double: AZN 120
Distance to Committee meeting place: 2 km, 8 min drive, 22 min walking
Address: 23, Samed Vurgun str, Baku AZ1095, Azerbaijan

Tel: +99412 498-90-08 / Fax: +99412 498-90-05
E-mail: info@sapphirehotel.az
URL: http://www.sapphirehotel.az/
Contact Person: Sergey Kurnosov

Four Seasons Hotel Baku*****

In this cosmopolitan oil capital on the Caspian Sea, Four Seasons presents a Beaux-Arts-style luxury hotel in Baku on the waterfront promenade – just steps from the Old City. Hosting the most prestigious Baku events – gala parties, corporate meetings or business conferences – Four Seasons Hotel Baku offers over 1,865 square meters (20,075 square feet) of function space, including the Segah Grand Ballroom, Rast Banquet Room and five meetings room.

Number of rooms: 150

Distance to Committee meeting place: 1,5 km, 6 min drive, 13 min walking
Address: 23, 77/79, Neftchilar avenu, Baku AZ1095, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 404-24-24 / Fax: +99412 404-24-25
URL: http://www.fourseasons.com/baku/
Contact Person: Ulviyya Talishinskaya

Qafqaz Point*****

Qafqaz Point Hotel is designed to accommodate both the leisure and business traveler with modern amenities combined with unique local character. Quality in service is demonstrated through the diligent and entrepreneurial mindset of our people ensuring individual guest needs are anticipated and exceeded, that every detail has been thought of and executed in advance. The ambience of Qafqaz Point Hotel, whilst warm and friendly is clean, uncluttered and understated. Qafqaz Point Hotel services is efficient and discreet throughout the hotel. Qafqaz Point Hotel’s Food & Beverage outlets are frequently a destination in their own right drawing not only hotel guests also the local community.

Number of rooms: 50
Rates: Single: AZN 66 / Double: AZN 87
Exclude 18% Valid Added Tax (VAT)

Distance to Committee meeting place: 4,6 km, 13 min drive, 40 min walking
Address: 118-560, Yasamal district, K.Kazimzade str, Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 510-78-78 / Fax: +99412 537-08-02
E-mail: info@qafqazpointhotel.com
URL: http://www.qafqazpointhotel.com
Contact Person: Zeyneb Qarayeva

Grand Hotel Europe*****

Grand Hotel Europe is a welcoming landmark in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. The first class luxury hotel is ideally situated within minutes of all the major business and government offices and next to the international Business Center hosting the annual Oil and Gas Show in Azerbaijan.

Number of rooms: 75
Rates: Single: AZN 70 / Double: AZN 80
Exclude 18% Valid Added Tax (VAT)

Distance to Committee meeting place: 5, km, 15 min drive, 55 min walking
Address: 1025/30, Tbilisi ave, Baku AZ1078, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 490-70-90 / Fax: +99412 490-70-84
E-mail: info@grand-europe.com
URL: http://www.grand-europe.com
Contact Person: Sabina Maharramova

Genceli Plaza****

Genceli Plaza has opened its doors in 2009. One demi hull corpus with elevators. Hotel Genceli Plaza is located in the center of the city, near the seaside boulevard, in a few minutes of walking from sights of city and boutiques. There is a quiet and cozy atmosphere of the bar and in the restaurant you will be offered National and European cuisines dishes.

Number of rooms: 41
Rates: Single: AZN 80 / Double: AZN 100

Distance to Committee meeting place: 1,9 km, 8 min drive, 13 min walking
Address: 48, U. Hajibeyov str, Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 598-28-27 / Fax: +99412 598-28-27
E-mail: info@ganjaliplaza.az
URL: http://www.genceli.az
Contact Person: Natalia Smoliar

Grand Hotel****

The Grand Hotel is located in the centre of Baku, a 10-minute walk from the Old City. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms offer warm-coloured interiors and oriental décor. The hotel’s restaurant offers a buffet breakfast and serves international cuisine. Azerbaijani Drama Theatre is right beside the hotel. The Caspian Sea coast is 3 km away. Nizami Metro Station is a 5-minute walk from Grand Hotel. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is 24 km away.

Number of rooms: 47

Rates: Single: AZN 80 / Double: AZN 100
Distance to Committee meeting place: 2 km, 8 min drive, 25 min walking
Address: Fuzuli Park, Fuzuli Square, Bes Mertebe Area, Baku AZ1009, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 595-00-81/82/83/84 / +99450 281-11-60 / Fax: +99412 595-00-85
Contact Person: Parvin Qafarova

The Crown Hotel****

The Crown Hotel welcomes you with its unique blend of the latest technology together through every possible comfort expected of a luxury hotel. The Crown Hotel has also outstanding accommodations for the business traveler or for the visitor coming to enjoy Baku’s pleasures, all from its convenient location in the heart of the city in Bayil. The Business center is offering a full range of secretary and administrative services free of charge. Total of 2 function rooms (Crown Grand Room up to 120 guests, Crown Meeting Room up to 100 guests).

Number of rooms: 92
Rates: Single: AZN 110 / Double: AZN 130

Distance to Committee meeting place: 4,4 km, 11 min drive
Address: 7, Neftchi Gurban Abbasov str, Baku AZ1003, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 491-02-27 / Fax: +99412 491-02-29
E-mail: sales@crownhotelbaku.com
URL: http://www.crownhotelbaku.com
Contact Person: Anar Hajiyev

Amber Hotel****

This elegant and original four-star boutique hotel located in the center of Baku offers comfortable and spacious rooms in a warm amber tones and fine cuisine, inspired by European culinary traditions. The Hotel is in immediate proximity to the major city objects, and also offices, diplomatic missions, and other sights of the Azerbaijan capital.

Number of rooms: 22
Rates: Single: AZN 70 / Double: AZN 80

Distance to Committee meeting place: 4,5 km, 12 min drive
Address: 29, Jafar Jabbarli str. Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 594-01-45 / Fax: +99412 594-01-46
E-mail: info@amberhotel.az
URL: http://www.amberhotel.az
Contact Person: Elvin Guliyev

Diplomat Hotel***

Situated in the heart of the business, entertainment and historical centre of Baku, the newly constructed, traditionally styled Diplomat Hotel will offer you Azerbaijan’s famous hospitality. Diplomat Hotel is only steps from the Palace named after Heydar Aliyev and the National Bank of Azerbaijan. Situated on the pedestrian mall on the fashionable Torgovi and Fountain Square, and only minutes away from the historic Old City as well as all the major culture, art, business centers and embassies. Diplomat Hotel emphasizes the comfort and relaxation of our guests and the quality of services is universally appreciated.

Number of rooms: 37
Rates: Single: AZN 65 / Double: AZN 75

Distance to Committee meeting place: 3,2 km, 11 min drive
Address: 185, Suleyman Rahimov str, Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 596-11-27 / Fax: +99412 596-11-28
E-mail: sales@diplomathotelbaku.com
URL: http://www.diplomathotelbaku.com/
Contact Person: Narmina Budaqova

Central Park Hotel***

The hotel is located five minutes’ walk from the marvelous Fountain Square and the Nizami promenade, where the world most famous brand boutiques are waiting for you. Central Park Hotel is nearby the wonderful Boulevard with a breathtaking view of the Caspian Sea.

Number of rooms: 70
Rates: Single: AZN 90 / Double: AZN 110
Exclude 18% Valid Added Tax

Distance to Committee meeting place: 3,2 km, 11 min drive
Address: 165, Suleyman Rahimov str. Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 594-42-35
E-mail: sales@centralpark.az
URL: http://www.centralpark.az/
Contact Person: Azer Bayramov

Shafran Hotel***

The Shafran Hotel is a luxury hotel for business and leisure travelers visiting Baku that offers an enchanting blend of two distinct influences: traditionally Azeri and magnificently European. The Shafran Hotel is located 25 km drive away from the International Heydar Aliyev Airport, 5 km distance from the City Center and 10 minutes walk from Tofig Bahramov Central Stadium. The Shafran Hotel provides a great environment for your company corporate meeting and seminars. Meeting room capable for housing 22 to 35 people.

Number of rooms: 49
Rates: Single: AZN 60 / Double: AZN 70
Exclude 18% Valid Added Tax

Distance to Committee meeting place: 4,4 km, 15 min drive, 1 hour walking
Address: 66, Y.V.Cemenzeminli str, Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 564-05-58 / Fax: +99412 564-08-12
E-mail: info@safranhotel.az
URL: http://www.safranhotel.az/en/
Contact Person: Anar Agayev

Park Inn Baku***

Enviably located in the centre of the city, the Park Inn by Radisson Azerbaijan, Baku looks out over the Caspian Sea harbour and historic Old City. This hotel in Baku is nestled in the heart of the business and entertainment district and places guests within walking distance of the main shopping area, Park Boulevard and Fountain Square. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is just 35 kilometers from the hotel, and the Government House and Landmark and ISR Plaza business centres are a five-minute walk away, making this hotel in the city centre of Baku the perfect destination for business travelers.

Rates: Single: AZN 145 / Double: AZN 165
Exclude 18% Valid Added Tax

Distance to Committee meeting place: 850 metres, 10 min walking
Address: 1, Azadliq Ave, Baku AZ1000, Azerbaijan
Tel: +99412 490 60 00 / Fax: +99412 496 89 00
E-mail: reservations.baku@rezidorparkinn.com
URL: http://www.parkinn.com
Contact Person: Arzu Axundova