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Preparations for WUF13 advance in coordination with host country

Baku, 19 March 2026 - Preparations for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) are advancing as planned, in close coordination with the Government of Azerbaijan. The Forum will take place from 17 to 22 May 2026 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.” Here is what participants need to know ahead of the global conference, including key information on travel, accommodation, visa requirements, and other logistical arrangements.

Travel and accommodation 

All international flights to Baku arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), the country’s main aviation hub. A number of airlines currently operate routes to Baku across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. These include Lufthansa from Frankfurt and Azerbaijan Airlines, which connects Baku with cities such as Vienna, Paris, London, Jeddah, Barcelona, and Milan. Additional connections are provided by Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. From Nairobi, connections to Baku are available through Turkish Airlines.

Free airport transfers and shuttle services will be available for registered participants, connecting the airport, key city hubs and the WUF13 venue, the Baku Olympic Stadium, throughout the event. 

Accommodation in Baku can be arranged through a dedicated booking platform managed by the host country, offering a range of options from two-star to five-star hotels. Bookings made through the platform are now eligible for full refunds if cancelled before 1 May 2026. Participants may also choose alternative accommodation arrangements independently. Early bookings are strongly encouraged due to high demand in the lead-up to the Forum. 

Visa and entry requirements

Visa requirements vary by nationality. While some participants may benefit from visa-free entry or visas on arrival, others might need a visa. 

The Government of Azerbaijan is committed to providing a free WUF13 special visa for participants registered through UN-Habitat’s online registration portal. After successful registration, participants may apply for their free WUF13 special visa through the dedicated electronic visa link included in the automatically generated confirmation email.
 

Baku, Azerbaijan — host city of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), the world’s leading conference on urbanization. Preparations are progressing as planned in close coordination with partners. Baku, Azerbaijan — host city of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), the world’s leading conference on urbanization. Preparations are progressing as planned in close coordination with partners.

Programme and participation

The WUF13 programme will feature a wide range of events, including high-level dialogues, assemblies, roundtables, special sessions and partner-led events across seven categories. Most sessions will be open to all registered participants, offering opportunities to exchange knowledge, share experience, and build partnerships. 

Participation in WUF13 is free of charge; however, registration is required . All participants must register in advance and obtain an official WUF13 badge to access the venue. Information on scheduled events will be available on the official WUF13 programme page. 

The Forum will be hosted at the Baku Olympic Stadium, a fully accessible venue designed to ensure an inclusive experience for all participants, with features such as ramps, lifts, tactile signage and dedicated support services. 

Practical information

For full practical details, including registration, programme, visa guidance, accommodation, transport, accessibility and more, visit the WUF13 Practical Information, where all essential information is available and regularly updated. 

WUF13