The Magpies head to Qarabag FK on Wednesday, 18th February for a 9:45pm kick-off (local time) kick-off. UK kick-off time is 5:45pm.
TRAVEL TO AZERBAIJAN
All those travelling to Azerbaijan will require a valid passport and must purchase a visa to enter the country. Please allow a week for processing and approval. The application process can be found here.
We advise supporters to review the requirements prior to entry. Additionally, it is recommended to obtain travel insurance prior to entering the country.
ARRIVAL INTO AZERBAIJAN
Money: Currency is the Manat (AZN) and Visa/Mastercard ATMS are available. Card/contactless payments are widely used throughout the city of Baku.
Taxi: It is approximately 20 to 30 minutes into the town centre from the airport. We recommend using trusted apps which may offer cheaper options than local taxis.
Bolt; The most common taxi service. We recommend downloading this when you land.
Uber; We advise downloading the local Uber AZ app as the normal Uber app may not work upon arrival.
Bus: Buses will be cheaper however take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. There is a bus service that runs directly from the airport into the city centre.
Travel to Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium Stadium Address: 10 Fatali Khan Khoyski, Baku, Azerbaijan
Supporters have been requested to go to the meeting point of Shahriyar Park for 7:00pm
Taxi: You can take a taxi to the stadium however please note the roads immediately outside the stadium will be blocked off.
Metro: Operates between 06:00 and 00:00
To use the Metro, you will need to buy a BakiKart card. You can charge it with as many trips as you would like and it is a convenient way to get around the city. BakiKart is required even if you want to do a single trip.
If you are staying in the town centre, the nearest metro station is Sahil. This is located on the Red Line which takes you directly to the stadium, with the closest drop off being Ganjlik. Please follow the signs to the south side of the stadium which is where the away turnstiles are located.
On arrival at Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium
All Newcastle United supporters are advised to arrive in good time. Those with valid tickets in the away end will be directed towards Gate B. Please see map shown:
Gate B
At the perimeter gate (Gate B), there will be a full body search by the Baku stewards with a potential for a search conducted by the Baku police. You will then be directed by the stewards and police towards the away end. Please note, most stewards will speak English should you have any questions. There will also be Newcastle United stewards and staff to support at the ground.
Continue along the path where you will arrive at the turnstiles entrance. Before you enter, there will be kiosks with refreshments as well as toilet facilities. Please see below.
Please note, there will be military personnel surrounding the stadium grounds as well as in the stands.
Flag policy at Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium
Flags and banners under 1.5m x 2m in size are allowed. Please send a photo of your flag/banner to [email protected] where we will liaise with Qarabag to confirm admittance into the ground.
Please send these images through no later than 16th February. Strictly no flags or banners may contain any political writing, display symbols or images that may be deemed culturally insensitive.
Bag policy at Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium
No bags larger than A4 (30xm x 20cm x 10xm) will be permitted entry. Any bags brought in will be searched.
Please note, there is no bag storage facility.
Prohibited items at Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium
Umbrellas
Pyrotechnics and explosive materials (including flares, firecrackers and smoke bombs)
Weapons
Drugs
Animals
Knives
Vuvuzelas
Food and drink at Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium
Snacks and drinks including beer will be available for purchase at the stadium kiosk. Cash and card payments are accepted.
Soft drinks are permitted in the stands. No alcohol is allowed to be brought in.
Accessibility information
Disabled supporters are advised to enter via Gate C where a Newcastle United official will be there to assist.
The wheelchair-accessible seating is in a designated area, with personal assistant seats positioned directly behind the wheelchair user spaces. The wheelchair viewing area is partially covered and may be impacted by weather conditions.
Please note that there are no accessible toilet facilities or Changing Places available at the stadium. Standard toilets are available, and a Newcastle United staff member can direct you to these, but please be aware that access requires climbing at least two steps.
Many of the metro stations in Baku do NOT have lifts available. Some have escalators but these are limited to a few stations and do not include Ganjlik station, which is closest to the stadium.
Some, but not all buses on the bus route from the city centre to the stadium are wheelchair accessible.
There is no accessible parking available at the stadium.
If you require any further clarification or assistance on this, please email accessibility support with questions on [email protected].
There is no Audio Description Commentary available.
Following the game
Newcastle United supporters will be held back for 30 minutes following the conclusion of the game. We encourage supporters to remain in their seat unless they are using the facilities in the stadium.
Please note, fans will be escorted out of the stadium by the police.
Police
Local police in Baku have overall charge of the stadium operation and management of attending fans.
In the event you get arrested, please ask for the English embassy.
Safety
We have not been advised where supporters should not congregate.
With any city you travel to, it is important to be aware of your surroundings for pickpocketing and stay vigilant. Please take sensible precautions when travelling through the airport, railways stations, around the city centre and when using public transport.
We do advise to always keep your passport on you; however, a copy of your passport will be suitable.
Cultural awareness
Ramadan is due to begin on the evening of 17th February with fast beginning from dawn on Wednesday, 18th February. Please respect the culture and local residents who will be observing this.
It is important to be aware of your behaviour particularly around historically important locations and monuments. Martyrs Alley is especially sensitive, and we ask you not to be disrespectful or disruptive in or around such areas as this may result in police action.
Key information about Baku and Azerbaijan
British Embassy
45 Khagani Street Baku Azerbaijan Tel: (+994) 12 437 78 78
We recommend fans familiarise themselves with the emergency service numbers here.
There are two main hospitals and medical clinics located around Baku: MediClub and Central Clinic Hospital
Information for tourists in Baku can be found here.
