azerbaijan travel visa

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory November 2, 2023

Azerbaijan - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates.

Exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan due to  terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do not travel to:

• The border region with Armenia.
• The  Nagorno-Karabakh  region and surrounding territories due to recent hostilities.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups that continue to plot attacks pose a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. 

Until September 2020 the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding territories were under Armenian control. Following armed hostilities in the fall of 2020 and fall of 2023, Azerbaijan took control of these seven territories and Nagorno-Karabakh. Further military activity could occur in the region.  

Read the  country information  page for additional information on travel to Azerbaijan.

If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Azerbaijan.
• Avoid demonstrations. 
• Stay alert in locations frequented by foreigners. 
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Border with Armenia– Level 4: Do Not Travel There is the potential for fighting along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border as part of the ongoing armed conflict. U.S. citizens should avoid the area.  Exercise caution on roads near Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice. The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region. 

Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh due to landmine contamination and restricted access.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One page per stamp

Travelers may bring in any amount of foreign currency as long as they declare it upon arrival.

Travelers may depart with up to $10,000 undeclared, or up to $50,000 or equivalent if they provide documents showing they declared the amount to customs upon arrival.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy baku.

111 Azadliq Prospekti AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan Telephone: +(994) (12) 488-3300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(994) (12) 488-3300 Fax: +(994) (12) 488-3695 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Azerbaijan for information on U.S.-Azerbaijan relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You need a passport and a visa to enter Azerbaijan . Acquire a visa that covers the dates of your trip before you go. Visit the  Embassy of Azerbaijan’s  website for the most current visa information.

• Electronic visas ( E-Visas ) are available through the “ASAN Visa” system. 
• An E-Visa is typically issued within 3 (three) working days of the online application, is a single-entry visa, and  is valid for 90 days . The E-Visa fee is $20, paid electronically. Once approved, the E-Visa is sent to the applicant via email. Travelers must print this information and present it to border security officials on arrival in Azerbaijan.
• Multiple-entry visas valid for up to 365 days are available through the Embassy of Azerbaijan.
• You must register with the State Migration Service (SMS) within 15 calendar days of arrival  if your intended period of stay is more than 15 days. Visit the  State Migration Service  website for the most current registration information.
• Law enforcement officials have at times detained  individuals from Armenia or with Armenian surnames  for questioning or denied them entry into the country. Such individuals may encounter anti-Armenian sentiments while in Azerbaijan.
• Individuals with “Republic of Artsakh” entry stamps in their passport could be questioned or denied entry upon arrival to Azerbaijan.

Land Borders: Land borders between Azerbaijan and all neighboring countries remain closed, except for freight transportation. Entry into Azerbaijan is possible only by air. Foreigners are permitted to exit by land.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist  for visitors to, and foreign residents of, Azerbaijan. Medical tests are required for those applying for  temporary or permanent residence permits  and must be performed at designated clinics in Azerbaijan. 

Please verify this information with the  Embassy of Azerbaijan  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, vehicles and rudimentary IEDs– to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Area and Conflict:

• The U.S. Government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Exercise caution near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. Despite the declaration of a cessation in hostilities, the danger posed by intermittent gunfire, land mines, and poor road conditions continue.  Roads near the conflict zone may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice .
• For more information regarding business and commercial activities in these areas, please visit the Investment Climate Statement .         

U.S. citizens of Armenian descent may encounter anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan.

Exercise caution in the region of Nardaran , located approximately 28 miles (45 km) from Baku on the Absheron Peninsula. Nardaran is culturally conservative and has been the site of several  anti-United States  and  anti-Israel  protests. It has also been the subject of government raids, which have sometimes resulted in violence.

Crime:  Crime is relatively low and violent crime is infrequent. The majority of reported crimes involve  burglary, assault , or  petty crime  such as  pickpocketing .

• Be careful in areas that attract large crowds or are very isolated. Criminals have targeted foreigners walking alone, late at night, or under the influence of alcohol.
• Some women have reported incidents of unwanted male attention while walking alone and taking taxis.  Sexual assault  may be underreported due to cultural stigma.
• Financial scams  are increasingly common. While the majority involves internet dating, there are reports of scams related to fraudulent real estate deals, licensing requirements, and travel advertisements.
• There are reports of increased  credit and bank card fraud , such as  credit card skimming.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI pages  for information on scams.

Avoid demonstrations and riots, which police have previously suppressed with force . Demonstrations  occur periodically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizens who are victims of crime should report crimes to the local police and then contact the U.S. Embassy. Contact the local police by dialing 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+994 12) 488 3300. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the  U.S. Embassy  for assistance identifying local resources for victims of domestic violence, which can include shelters, medical assistance, and legal aid. Victims may contact the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs by telephone at (+994 12) 498 00 92 or  [email protected]  for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in Baku. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of Baku and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. You can be legally detained in jail for up to four months during an investigation. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. There are often delays in consular notification after arrests of U.S. citizens. See our webpage for further information.

Restrictions on Photography:  It is illegal to take photographs of military installations and equipment. Police may stop you even if you take photographs of non-military sites, like oil fields, buildings, and public squares. Cooperate with the police.

Military Service : Azerbaijan has mandatory military service for male citizens ages 18 to 35. If Azerbaijan considers you a citizen, you could face fines or arrest if you have not completed your military service. Dual citizen males ages 18 to 35 have been prevented from departing Azerbaijan on U.S. or Azerbaijan passports – until they resolved military service requirements with the Azerbaijan government. The U.S. Embassy in Baku cannot resolve this issue for affected individuals. Information regarding Azerbaijan’s mandatory military service, including contact information, can be found on Azerbaijan’s State Service for Mobilization and Conscription  website . Information about renouncing Azerbaijani citizenship is available through the Embassy of Azerbaijan . 

Drones: Azerbaijan does not allow the import of drones without prior authorization. Drones brought into the country without authorization are subject to confiscation by customs officials.

Customs: Taking carpets, artwork, and other cultural artifacts out of the country requires an export certificate. Consult the seller or the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum for assistance.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals are not specifically protected by antidiscrimination laws. Societal intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity remain a problem in Azerbaijan. It is not illegal to organize events in support of LGBTQI+ persons, but societal intolerance generally prevented these events. LGBTQI+ individuals have reported that employers sometimes found other reasons to fire LGBTQI+ employees due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. One of the main concerns for local LGBTQI+ persons is the perceived failure of law enforcement agencies to act on violations of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons and indifference to investigating crimes committed against LGBTQI+ persons in Azerbaijan. The Department of State’s Human Rights Report documents incidents of police brutality against individuals based on sexual orientation and notes that authorities did not investigate or punish those responsible.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities : Azerbaijani law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but accessibility for persons with disabilities is limited throughout the country. Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency medical services in Azerbaijan, dial 103 .

Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are typically not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas

We strongly recommend you obtain  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Embassy of Azerbaijan  or the  State Customs Committee to ensure the medication is legal in Azerbaijan.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Baku is estimated to have air pollution levels higher than those in major U.S. cities.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health Facilities in General:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Baku but some facilities in Baku and in other areas, particularly in rural areas, may be below U.S. standards.dequate health facilities are available in Baku but some facilities in Baku and in other areas, particularly in rural areas, may be below U.S. standards.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment in advance.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in Baku.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Azerbaijan.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with few controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.
• Azerbaijan imposes strict restrictions on the importation of many pain killers and other prescription narcotics available in the United States. Travelers should avoid carrying or shipping such medications. If travelers must bring such medications, they should bring diagnosis and prescription paperwork from a licensed practitioner in the United States.
• Many locations in Azerbaijan, such as Shahdagh and Tufandag, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes .

Water Quality:

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

General Health Language:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: The information below is provided for general reference only.

• Road conditions in Azerbaijan differ significantly from those in the United States. Exercise caution when driving in Azerbaijan.
• Reckless driving is very common. Many drivers do not pay attention to traffic regulations, signals, lane markings, pedestrians, or other drivers. Drivers often travel at extremely high speeds, and accidents are frequent and often serious.
• Older sections of the roadway system are poorly constructed and poorly lit. Many rural roads are largely unpaved. Driving hazards, such as open manholes, debris, and potholes are common in Baku.
• Unfinished road sections may be extremely dangerous due to lack of proper construction and hazard signage.
• Watch out for pedestrians. Pedestrians routinely disregard vehicles, crosswalks, signs and signals, and in general act carelessly.
• Exercise caution on roads near the border with Armenia. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

Traffic Laws:  Vehicles drive on the right.   Routine traffic stops are common. If you are driving, keep all required documents with you, including passport or local registration documents, driver’s license, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance.

• Foreigners residing in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days must obtain a local driver’s license through ASAN Xidmet .
• Azerbaijan has strict laws about driving under the influence of alcohol. It is illegal to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system. 

Public Transportation:

• The Baku metro system is an inexpensive option for transportation. Security cameras provide excellent coverage of all metro platforms throughout the system. There are police units at each metro station, and bag checks may be carried out at the entrance to each station.
• Because safety and licensing standards do not match those found in the United States,  U.S. Embassy personnel are not authorized to use public buses.
• For safety, we recommend using only  marked taxis  if you choose to take one.
• Public transportation throughout the rest of the country remains overcrowded and poorly maintained . 

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Azerbaijan’s State Civil Aviation Administration as in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Azerbaijan should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Azerbaijan .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Azerbaijan Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: January 3, 2024

Azerbaijan was once quite isolated and practically all visitors were from the former Soviet block. Today, it’s opening up to the world and allowing more and more nationalities to visit.

Due to their strong ties, most of the former Soviet Union nations are visa-exempt to enter Azerbaijan whereas over 90 other nationalities can easily obtain an eVisa online.

This Azerbaijan visa guide contains up-to-date information about:

• The nationalities that are visa-exempt
• The nationalities that are eligible for an eVisa
• The procedure and required documents for a tourist visa from an Azeri embassy
• The entry and exit processes
• Other pertinent information

Table of Contents

Azerbaijan visa policy.

Azerbaijan offers visa-free entry to only 13 countries, mostly part of the former USSR and recently also some from the Persian Gulf. Most of them can stay in Azerbaijan for 90 days. See below for a full list.

Passport holders from another 91 countries can apply for an eVisa online (complete list below). The USA, Canada, all countries in the EU, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand are some of those countries. The eVisa costs 

• 25 USD (20$ for the visa plus 5$ service fee) for the standard one (delivery within 3 days);
• 60 USD (20$ for the visa plus 40$ service fee) for express one (delivery within 3 hours).

The eVisa is valid for 90 days and allows entry for up to 30 days.

A few countries are also eligible for a visa on arrival (full list below). The visa on arrival costs 30 USD except for Japanese passport holders who can get VOA for free .

Holders of United Arab Emirates residence permit, regardless of nationality, are also eligible for a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. 

Last but not least, Azerbaijan usually relaxes the visa requirements when it hosts international events of great interest. For example, for the Formula One race in Baku, all visitors have historically been eligible to receive a visa on arrival as long as they present a valid ticket for the event. Please check with official Azerbaijan authorities before similar major international events.

AZERBAIJAN VISA TYPES

There are three main ways to enter Azerbaijan as a tourist. 

• Visa Exemption: Enter without a visa if you’re from one of the 13 visa-exempt countries
• Visa on Arrival: Receive a visa on arrival if you’re from one of the 11 eligible countries
• eVisa: Obtain an eVisa through the Azerbaijan government eVisa portal
• Tourist Visa: Apply for a regular tourist visa from one of Azerbaijan’s embassies abroad

AZERBAIJAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

As with any other country, there are certain requirements one must comply with when planning a visit to Azerbaijan as a tourist.

Passport validity required to enter Azerbaijan

The required passport validity depends on the method used to enter Azerbaijan.

Visa Exemption

If entering on a visa exemption, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months more than the intended date of departure.

eVisa, VOA, or embassy-issued tourist visa

If entering with any of the tourist visas, the validity period of the passport must be at least 3 months more than the validity period of the said visa.

The eVisa is valid for 90 days, allowing a single entry into Azerbaijan for up to 30 days. This means that, for example, if your visa is issued on 5 February 2024, and valid until 5 May 2024, then your passport must be valid at least until 5 August 2024.

Return or onward ticket out of Azerbaijan

If you’re visa-exempt or using an eVisa to enter Azerbaijan, no proof of return or onward ticket is required. 

When you apply for a standard tourist visa, you will be asked for a flight itinerary , including a return ticket. However, the border officials will rarely ask to see this.

Ban on Armenians

Due to the prolonged and ongoing state of war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, entry is refused to all Armenian passport holders, as well as any foreign national of Armenian descent.

Even having an Armenian last name, regardless of your nationality, makes you ineligible to travel to Azerbaijan.

COVID entry restrictions

As of November 2023, entry into Azerbaijan is only possible by air. The special quarantine provision was extended until 2 January 2024.

These entry restrictions were initially put in place during the COVID pandemic but have been continuously extended every 2-3 months. It is safe to assume that it’s no longer because of a concern for health but more due to geopolitical concerns.

It is uncertain if the provision will cease on 2 January or be extended further.

Surprisingly, all visitors to Azerbaijan are allowed to exit through a land border.

AZERBAIJAN VISA EXEMPTION

There are 13 visa-exempt countries. Unless otherwise specified, the visa exemption allows stays of up to 90 days within Azerbaijan.

• Qatar (30 days)
• United Arab Emirates

AZERBAIJAN eVISA

The Azerbaijan eVisa is one of the simplest I’ve ever completed. It’s easy, fast, and relatively cheap compared to other similar eVisas.

Eligibility

There are 91 countries whose nationals are eligible for an eVisa for Azerbaijan. These are:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City

Apply for the Azerbaijan eVisa ONLY through their official ASAN Visa website . Be careful because similar websites pretend to the official but are in fact owned by tour companies and charge more for a service that is easily done independently. 

The only document you need to apply is a good-quality picture of your passport.

Once on the eVisa portal, the steps for applying are as follows:

• Pick your nationality and type of passport. If you’re not eligible for the eVisa, the platform will tell you. Otherwise, proceed to step 2.
• Select the starting date of validity for the eVisa. If you’re not sure, it’s better to pick an earlier date. You cannot before this date, but you can enter up to 90 days after it. The portal will show you the eVisa validity and the price.
• Fill in your personal information. Make use of the file explaining frequently made mistakes and the one showing acceptable document pictures .
• Check your email and click “Approve”.
• Pay for the eVisa using any 3D Secure bank card; There is a 1$ bank fee when paying with a foreign card making the total 26$ for a standard eVisa or 61$ for an express one.
• Receive the eVisa as a PDF in your email within 3 days.

AZERBAIJAN VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

Travelers from 11 countries can get a visa on arrival when arriving by air. There are also certain special conditions and exceptions for special cases that we look at below.

Eligibility by Nationality

The following countries are eligible to receive a visa on arrival valid for 30 days:

The VOA costs 30$ except for travelers from Japan for whom it’s free.

Eligibility by Residence 

Holders of a resident visa for the United Arab Emirates with at least 6 months validity are eligible to receive a 30-day visa on arrival at any international airport in Azerbaijan.

Special cases

There are certain conditions that can make one qualify for a visa on arrival.

• If you have a resident card from Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Kuwait AND are accompanied by a citizen of the same country that issued it.
• If you’re a citizen of the US traveling on a direct flight from New York to Baku on an Azerbaijan Airways flight. Unfortunately, these flights were discontinued when the pandemic began and haven’t restarted yet.
• If you’re from a country that doesn’t have an Azerbaijan embassy AND take a direct flight to Azerbaijan from that country.

Check out the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry website for more information.

AZERBAIJAN TOURIST VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

If you’re not from one of the countries eligible for an eVisa and don’t qualify for either of the other options, then you have to obtain a regular tourist visa from an Azerbaijan embassy.

For the tourist visa, Azeri embassies require the following documents:

• Application form (filled online and printed out);
• Passport and copy of its main page;
• Two color photos (3 x 4 cm);
• Flight itinerary;
• Proof of accommodation;
• A receipt on payment of the state fee for visa;

You may submit the visa application in person but make sure to book an appointment online first . 

You may also send the application by post to the Embassy. In most countries, you will have to attach a postal order payable to the Embassy so they send the visa back via mail.

The state fee for a single-entry visa is 35 EUR for all countries part of the EU or Schengen and 20 USD for all other countries.

The multiple-entry visa is 35 EUR for all countries part of the EU or Schengen and 350 USD for all other countries.

Check out the current visa fee here .

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Flying into Azerbaijan

Upon landing at an airport in Azerbaijan, the next step depends on your visa status.

If you’re visa-exempt proceed directly to the immigration counters. Get your passport stamped and move on to arrivals or baggage reclaim.

If you have an eVisa, proceed to the immigration counters. You may be asked some questions about how long you intend to stay in Azerbaijan and where you plan to go but you will quickly get through with a stamp in your passport.

If you need to obtain a visa on arrival, look for the E-ASAN Self-Desk Kiosk in the area just before Passport Control.

Follow the automated procedures and get the VOA. Then head to the immigration counters and get the entry stamp.

Flying out of Azerbaijan

When leaving Azerbaijan you will go through passport control at the airport. The officer will check that you haven’t overstayed your visa and may ask for your registration paper if you stayed in Azerbaijan longer than 15 days (more information below in the registration section).

Entering Azerbaijan if you’ve been to Armenia

Due to the constant war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, you may be subject to additional questioning and examination at the border.

Having been to Armenia is NOT however grounds to be denied entry into Azerbaijan.

Most travelers who’ve been to both countries face minimal questioning in regard to that. When I arrived at Baku International Airport, the official saw the Armenian entry stamp and called her supervisor.

They asked me where I’ve been in Armenia and for how long. After taking a photo of the Armenian stamp, they let me through. It took less than 2 minutes.

This is unlikely to change soon even after the events of September 2023 .

This is NOT the case if you’ve been to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh).

Entering Azerbaijan if you’ve been to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)

You CANNOT travel to Azerbaijan if you’ve been to Nagorno-Karabakh. 

Any evidence of such, including passport stamps, paper visas, even luggage tags, or other documents will result in denial of entry or even arrest and prosecution for illegal entry into Azerbaijan.

Some adventurous travelers have done it but in any case, it’s not worth the risk.

Azerbaijan considers Nagorno-Karabakh an intrinsic part of its sovereign territory. Up until recently, it was de-facto controlled by the Republic of Artsakh, backed by Armenia. The information presented here is valid even after the ceasefire and annexation of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023.

It remains to be seen what changes there will be to this rule.

Tourist registration if staying longer than 15 days in Azerbaijan

All travelers who stay in Azerbaijan for longer than 15 days must register with the migration police.

This rule is strictly enforced at the border upon exit and you may be subject to hefty fines (up to 300 AZN / 176$) if you haven’t registered but stayed longer than 15 days.

Registration can be done:

• By your hotel;
• In person at a migration police office;
• By mail to the migration police;
• Online (easiest)

You only need to complete one registration. Even if you change accommodation, no further action is necessary after the first registration.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Can i get a visa for azerbaijan online.

Most nationalities are eligible for an eVisa. You can apply for it online on the official ASAN portal .

Do Americans need a visa for Azerbaijan?

Yes, American citizens need a visa to visit Azerbaijan. They are eligible to obtain an Azerbaijan visa online.

Do EU citizens need a visa for Azerbaijan?

Yes, EU citizens need a visa to visit Azerbaijan. You can get the visa online. 

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Azerbaijan?

Yes, Indians are required to have a visa to visit Azerbaijan. You can get the eVisa online.

Can I travel to Azerbaijan if I’ve been to Armenia?

Yes, you can. You may be subject to additional questioning (where you’ve been, how long, why, etc). There are no additional requirements but you must comply with the current ones.

Can I travel to Azerbaijan if I’ve been to Nagorno-Karabakh?

Theoretically possible but it’s definitely not advised. Any evidence of prior travel there may get you in deep trouble.

Do I need a visa to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh?

The ordinary tourist visa is NOT enough to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh. You must obtain a special permit in order to travel there from the Azerbaijan side.

This guide is your ultimate resource for all things about Azerbaijan visa, including visa-exempt countries, eVisa-eligible countries and procedures, and tourist visa requirements and documents needed.

Check out some of the related visa guides:

• Georgia Visa for Tourists and Visitors
• Armenia Visa for Tourists and Visitors
• Turkey Visa for Tourists and Visitors

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Azerbaijan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Azerbaijan.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Azerbaijan as a visitor, your passport must usually have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. See ‘visa requirements’ for more details. 

To enter Azerbaijan as a resident, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the expiry date of your temporary or permanent residence permit.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Anyone who has previously visited areas of Nagorno-Karabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities could be refused entry to Azerbaijan. 

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Azerbaijan.

Applying for a visa

Apply and pay for a visa from the ASAN Visa (e-visa) service . Apply at least 3 days in advance. An urgent 3-hour service is available for an additional fee.

E-visas are normally single entry and allow a 30 day visit within a 90 day period of validity. You must print out the e-visa and bring it with your passport to show on arrival. Officials will check that your passport is valid for 3 months after the visa expiry date. This means your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Azerbaijan.

For other types of visa, such as a business visa or a work permit, contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK at least one month before your travel date.

Extending your visa

You can extend your 30 days by applying to the State Migration Service at least 3 days before the end of the permitted stay.

If you overstay your visa without permission, you may have to leave the country within 48 hours. Contact the State Migration Service as soon as possible. They can issue a letter giving you permission to leave. You will have to pay a fine of 300 to 400 Azerbaijani manat. Make sure you get a receipt.

If you are in Azerbaijan, you can also call the Migration Information Centre on 919.

Registering with the authorities

If you’re staying in Azerbaijan for longer than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service  online or in person. Hotels often provide this service for their guests, but you must do it yourself if you are staying in an apartment or private residence.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Azerbaijan guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Azerbaijan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Follow advice from your airline about items you should declare.

If you are bringing a mobile phone or tablet into the country for the first time, you must complete a declaration online and show it to customs officials on arrival. You will need to give the IMEI number of your mobile, which you can find in settings, or by messaging *#06#

If you plan to use a local SIM card for more than 30 days, you must register it and pay a fee at a local post office. If you do not declare your device or register your sim card, they may not work on local networks and your device could be locked.

Exporting carpets and antiques

You need an export certificate to take antiques or art like carpets, samovars, copperware or paintings out of Azerbaijan. Your vendor will give you a certificate, or they are available from the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum .  

British-Azerbaijani dual nationality

Azerbaijan does not allow people aged 18 or over to hold dual nationality. You may be refused entry, denied departure or even face criminal liability if you’re found to be holding both an Azerbaijani passport and a passport of a different nationality. If you’re a British passport holder with links to Azerbaijan (through birth or otherwise) and wish to check your nationality status, contact the State Migration Service before you travel.

Children aged 17 and under holding a second nationality should not face any difficulties.

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Travel to Azerbaijan in 2024 – Everything you must know

By Joan Torres 30 Comments Last updated on April 24, 2024

Azerbaijan is a weird, fascinating country. 

Located on the border between Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan has one of those cultures which is particularly difficult to define, as it is a Caucasian country with a large Turkish and Iranian influence, that used to be part of the Soviet Union, so the end result is such a strange mix of opposed cultures that leaves the traveler very confused. 

I traveled to Azerbaijan twice.

During this period of time, they introduced an e-visa system so, in only two years, tourism has grown exponentially and the country has started to get significant international exposure.

The weirdness of Azerbaijan is what makes it a particularly interesting country and, in this guide, I have compiled everything you need to know for traveling to Azerbaijan . 

For places to visit, don’t forget to check my complete Azerbaijan travel itinerary

In this Azerbaijan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Best time to visit
• Travel insurance
• Useful books
• The country and culture
• Tourism in Azerbaijan
• How to get in
• Food and alcohol
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Azerbaijan

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Azerbaijan

🪪 How to get a tourist visa for Azerbaijan

E-visa is available for traveling to in azerbaijan.

Since January 2017, you can apply for an e-visa to travel to Azerbaijan and this is the official Governmental portal .

It costs 25USD and takes 3 working days to proceed. If you want an urgent visa, it costs 50USD. 

Who can apply for a tourist visa for Azerbaijan?

All countries from this list , which includes all Western nationalities and many more.

How long is the Azerbaijan visa valid for?

The single visa is valid for 30 days within a 90 days window – note that there is no double entry visa.

Registration in Azerbaijan

If you are traveling in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days, you will need to register. You can do it in your hotel or at the police station itself.

For more information, I recommend you read this article from Caravanistan . 

Important – Registration is no joke! In 2016, I skipped this registration (at that time, there was not much information about it and the limit was 10 days), so when the police found out, they made me choose between paying a $300 fine or being deported and banned from entering Azerbaijan within 1 year. After 11 months, I tried to apply for the e-visa and it got instantly rejected. In 2019, I managed to get in without any problem.

⛅ Best time to visit Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, you find 9 out of the 11 climate zones .

From glaciers to vast, hot deserts, the landscape in Azerbaijan is full of contrasts. This means that the climate is also very varied so, depending on where you want to go, Azerbaijan can be a year-round destination. 

For example, the mountains are good to visit from April to October but, if you want to do some trekking, summer would be the ideal season. 

The region around Baku has a continental climate, which means that summer is extremely hot and winter very cold, but it can be visited all year round. 

However, I would say that mid-spring and mid-autumn would be the ideal time to travel to Azerbaijan. 

Read: Things to do in Baku in 3 days

🚑 Travel Insurance for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is an adventurous destination, so go there with the proper travel insurance.

I recommend IATI Insurance because:

• It has all types of plans, from families to backpackers
• One of the few providers with full COVID-19 coverage
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

📚 A book for traveling to Azerbaijan

Travel guide to azerbaijan, georgia and armenia by lonely planet.

There is no guidebook focusing exclusively on Azerbaijan, not even from Bradt, but you need to get the LP guide to the region. 

🕌 The country, the people and the culture

Azerbaijan today.

Azerbaijan is a former Soviet Republic that got its independence in 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Since 1993, it has been ruled by a political party named the New Azerbaijan Party , a party founded by Heydar Aliyev, who ruled from 1993 to 2003. After his death, his son Ilham Aliyev took over and he still rules today. 

It is said that this political party doesn’t really have an ideology but it is based on nationalism and a personality cult centered on Heydar Aliyev , who is believed to be the first person to make Azerbaijan great and whose name is seen in numerous streets, museums, and places around the country. 

On the other hand, Azerbaijan is one of those fake democracies where the ruling party has been accused of several human rights abuses and authoritarianism but it seems their citizens don’t complain much about it. 

When you arrive in Baku , you will feel that you are in an extremely developed country, as the majesty of its impeccable streets is perfectly comparable to many European cities. 

Traveling to Georgia? Here’s my ultimate guide to travel to Georgia!

However, as soon as you step out of the capital, things change and you will suddenly find yourself in a third-world country. This huge contrast is explained by the fact that Baku is what it is thanks to the petrol and, due to obvious corruption, this growth has been exclusively focused on the capital. 

This kind of fake development is also explained by the fact that, whereas Baku feels much more developed than Tbilisi for example, the capital of Georgia is much more socially developed than Baku, a city where sometimes it is even difficult to see mixed groups of men and women. 

Read: 80 Useful tips for traveling to Iran

Religion in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a supposedly Islamic country, 85% of the population being Shia Muslims and the rest Sunni. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan was the first Islamic country to ever declare itself a democratic and secular Republic (in 1918).

This means that many people in the country are atheist, similar to their brothers and sisters from Central Asia , so religion isn’t really a big deal here, especially in Baku. In fact, there are very few functional mosques. 

The personal story of my local friend During my journey, I met a local, young guy from Baku who turned out to be very religious. In fact, he has a Muslim beard and his wife wears a hijab, something not very commonly seen in Azerbaijan. Anyways, he told me that her wife got a job in a public TV channel but they told her that she had to remove her hijab to come to the office. She obviously refused to do so and, apparently, it was not an option, so she couldn’t get the job in the end. Probably, this is the only Muslim country where these things happen. 

The people: The Azerbaijanis

Physically, most Azerbaijanis look kind of Iranian but a bit different. From a cultural point of view, like I said in the beginning, it is difficult to define them as a single culture. Definitely, they have similarities with their neighbors from Georgia , even Armenia, but they also have many customs from the Iranians.

For example, they are heavy drinkers of tea, and they drink it in the same way Iranians do, using the same sort of glasses and the same amount of sugar.

However, you are likely to see them drinking a shot of vodka right after the tea and, when you go to the rural areas, it really feels like you are in Georgia , as people look kind of the same and the houses have a very similar architecture.

To make it even more surreal, they speak Turkish and you can still see great Russian influence. 

It’s just weird and, no matter how hard you try, you can’t really define their culture as a whole. 

Hospitality

Azerbaijanis are hospitable, not as much as my friends from Iran obviously, but they were all right, perhaps more than in other Caucasian countries. Is it because they are Musli

I don’t know, maybe. In my case, random tea invitations were common and I still keep in touch with 1 or 2 friends who never allowed me to pay for a meal. 

Check out my off-beat guide to Tbilisi

Language in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani is the official language in the country, which is a Turkish dialect. Out of all the Turkic spoken languages, from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani is the closest one to Turkish.

Most people will also speak Russian but, apparently, not as well as their Central Asian neighbors. As for English, in Baku, some young people can speak it but that’s it. 

Read: 75 Useful tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan

Is Azerbaijan an off the beaten track destination?

Glad you asked. 

Like I said in the beginning, after introducing the e-visa system in January 2017, tourism has grown exponentially. 

You will see that today, Baku is actually filled with loads of backpacker hostels and tour groups abound. Destinations such as Sheki or Lahic also see a fair amount of tourists and, in remote villages such as Xinaliq, you can already find a wide range of official homestays. 

Nevertheless, Azerbaijan is still an emerging tourist destination, and the number of tourists is not even comparable to any country in Europe. In fact, outside of the main touristic towns, you are likely to be the only tourist hanging around. 

Places like the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, Ivanovka and the towns and villages around Ganja are really unspoiled destinations, which you don’t want to miss. 

If you want to experience the real Azerbaijan, I strongly encourage you to check those destinations out. In my Azerbaijan itinerary , you can find more information about these places.

Read: Tips for traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan

🛫 How to get to Azerbaijan

Traveling to Azerbaijan is very easy. 

Travel to Azerbaijan by air

The international airport of Baku has many connections to Europe and many other countries in Asia and the Middle East . 

Travel to Azerbaijan by land

Georgia – There are two very friendly open borders with Georgia, one linking Zaqatala with Sighnaghi and other one linking Ganja with Tbilisi. The second one can be crossed by train and, in fact, there is a direct night train from Tbilisi to Baku .

Iran – The border with Iran is also open and very friendly but remember that, if you are going to Iran, you will need to be in possession of an Iranian visa .

I also recommend you read my 80 Tips for traveling to Iran . 

Russia – This border is currently closed to foreigners. 

What happens with Armenia? Armenia and Azerbaijan are technically at war, mainly due to the dispute of Nagorno-Karabakh, so the border with Armenia is definitely closed. Nevertheless, you should know that having an Armenian visa on your passport does not ban you from traveling to Azerbaijan (and vice-versa), so you should not worry at all about that, other than getting some standard questioning.  However, if there is any evidence that you have traveled to Nagorno-Karabakh, which is only accessible from Armenia, you will be banned from entering Azerbaijan for the rest of your life. Please note that for entering Nagorno-Karabakh you get a different passport stamp but, apparently, nowadays you can ask them to stamp it on a separate piece of paper. 

Travel to Azerbaijan by sea

Kazakhstan – You can travel to Azerbaijan by boat over the Caspian Sea from a Kazakh city named Aktau. It takes 24 hours and you need a dose of patience because it departs every few days, randomly. Read my 35 Useful tips for traveling to Kazakhstan . 

Turkmenistan – If you are lucky to be in possession of a Turkmen visa, you can also take the boat from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan. 

💻 Internet and connectivity in Azerbaijan

Wi-Fi – It works surprisingly well all over the country. 

SIM Card – I recommend Azercell. You can buy a SIM Card in many mobile stores but you should go to the official store of Azercell, as you will be charged the real price. There is a big one in Fountain Square and, for a couple of manats, you get loads of data. 

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Azerbaijan

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Azerbaijan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Azerbaijan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Azerbaijan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, they use the Azerbaijani manat (ANZ) and, approximately:

1 USD = 1.70 AZN

ATM and credit cards

In Baku, you can use your credit card pretty much anywhere and ATMs abound. However, once you leave the capital, it is better to bring cash with you. You may find some ATMs in smaller towns but you can’t really pay by card.

Exchanging money in Azerbiajan

There many exchange offices around the country. 

How much does it cost to travel to Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is really cheap. In fact, leaving the fancy Baku aside, this is one of the cheapest countries I have ever been to. These are the costs of the most typical things:

• Backpacker hostels – 7 to 15AZN
• Budget guest houses – 30 to 40AZN
• Mid-range hotels – 60 to 80AZN
• Fast food (Doner kebab, sandwich, etc.) – Around 2AZN
• Local eateries (a meal) – 2 to 5AZN
• Mid-Range restaurants (Normally, only available in Baku) – 8 to 15AZN
• Supermarket (beer can) – 0.50 to 1AZN
• Budget bars or happy hour (local draft beer) – 1AZN to 2AZN
• Night bars  (local draft beer) – 2 to 5AZN
• Short taxi ride in Baku – 2 to 3AZN
• Metro ride in Baku – 0.30AZN
• Bus from Baku to Quba – 6AZN and the journey takes 3 to 4 hours.

Backpacking Budget for Azerbaijan From 30€ – 40€ a day

🍲 Food & cuisine in Azerbaijan

Like its people, the food of Azerbaijan is a real blend of cultures and flavors, with influences from all over the region, from Turkey to Russia, Iran and even Greece. 

From plenty of kebabs to the tzatziki Greek yogurt, Uzbek plov , Turkish dolma , and Iranian dizi , during my journey, I tasted something different every day. 

The majority of Azerbaijanis have never left their country, so they will always tell you that those dishes are originally from Azerbaijan and, depending on the way you look at it, they may be right, as all their dishes are local variations on the original dish. 

Azerbaijan travel tip – Baku is definitely more expensive than the rest of the country but, from Monday to Friday, most restaurants have a lunch deal in which, for only 2 or 3€, you will get a full set menu.

My favorite dishes of Azerbaijan

Piti – One of the most typical dishes consists of vegetables, lamb and chickpeas, all cooked in a clay pot and covered by lamb fat. Once served, you smash it like if they were mashed potatoes. You can also find a variation of this dish in Iran called dizi . 

Yarpak Xangal – It consists of layers of pasta, meat, caramelized onion and yogurt. A very heavy dish. In Central Asia, there is a similar thing called beshbarmak . 

Dushbara – A dumpling soup typical of the northern-western part of the country. You can also find it in Kazakhstan and it is called pelmeni . 

Drinking alcohol in Azerbaijan

As in other beloved ex-Soviet Muslim country, alcohol is not really haram (things which are forbidden in Islam), so beer and vodka are available all over the country, even in small villages.

Actually, many cafés in rural areas do have a barrel of draft beer but it is really, really bad, as it has little gas and is really badly served. 

Drinking vodka with locals

If you are lucky, you may be able to drink vodka with some Azerbaijanis but remember that, if you agree to it, you need to finish the whole bottle. When I was in Nakhchivan, I went for dinner with my host’s family and, when we ordered drinks, his father asked me if I wanted to drink some vodka.

I said OK, thinking that everybody in the table would drink, so we would have 1 or 2 shots per person.

However, apparently, everybody said no but me, so his father forced me to drink half of the bottle before even finishing my food. I was the drunkest person in the restaurant and the next day I felt so embarrassed but, fortunately, in Soviet countries, they are used to people being drunk, so everybody just laughed on the day after. 

Just be aware that, if you aren’t really into drinking, it is better to say no from the very beginning. Otherwise, if you have just one or two shots you will be considered a pussy. 

Beer snacks

If you are having beers with Azerbaijani people, you will see that they always need to order something called beer snacks , which range from smoked cheese to fried meat balls. If you want to do what the locals do, order them whenever you get a beer in a bar. 

🛺 Transportation: how to move around Azerbaijan

Moving around baku.

Metro – In Baku, there is a pretty cool metro and one single ride costs 0.30AZN. You need, however, to buy a 4AZN metro card first. 

Uber – Get this app to move around Baku by taxi. 

For more information on transportation in Baku, read my Baku city guide

Moving around Azerbaijan

Marshrutka – Locals move around the country by marshrutkas, which is what public mini-vans are called in the former Soviet Republics. They are really cheap, leave once they are full and they are connected to pretty much any town and city in the country. 

Train – The train goes from Baku to Ganja and then continues until Tbilisi . However, it doesn’t follow the main touristic trail, so you will have to rely on marshrutkas. 

Domestic flights – I took a domestic flight from Baku to the exclave of Nakhchivan, which is the only way to get there. I flew with Azerbaijan Airlines . 

Car rental – Traveling around Azerbaijan by a rental car is safe, feasible and effective, especially around Quba, as you will be able to go to places that are a bit hard to reach by public transportation.

🏨 Accommodation: where to stay in Azerbaijan

There is a wide range of accommodation all over the country, from hostels to guesthouses, homestays and regular hotels, including plenty of 5-star hotels in Baku. 

In my Azerbaijan itinerary , I recommend several hotels in each city. 

❗ More information for traveling in Azerbaijan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Azerbaijan destination

• Baku Travel Guide
• Best Hostels in Baku
• Qobustan Petroglyphs and Sovietism
• Reasons to Visit Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Itinerary

Travel guides to former Soviet countries

• Georgia Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Tajikistan
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Moldova
• Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Kazakhstan Travel Guide

30 comments

This is a wonderful write-up to provide potential travellers with an estimate budget. I just wanted to ask, minus accommodation if I estimate 50AZN per day to roam around the city, maybe go to sheki by bus and stay a night there – is it enough? Accommodation is not included in the 50AZN per day budget. I have budgeted accommodation separately.

Prices have slightly increased since the last time I was there but if you stay in budget dorms, I am sure you can make it!

Amazing article about Azerbaijan. I love that you added personal stories of your friends. It’s really devastating how women aren’t always seen as individuals who are entitled to their opinion and choices on some parts of the world.

Hey, I think you got the cost of the metro ride wrong in euros 🙂

thanks for telling me

Hi, I am completing a visa application for Azerbaijan. On the visa application it asks for hotel accommodation details. I will be backpacking starting in Turkey, Georgia etc and I don’t have a definite date I will arrive In Azerbaijan. Can I book a hotel for my last 3 days in Baku before I fly home and include those details in the visa application or do I need to book and detail all the time I expect to be there? By the way I went to Iran in March this year based on your travel blog and then onto Turkey and the Balkans. I had a great time. Your help on the visa would be appreciated.

Hey Michael! The evisa for Azerbaijan only takes a couple of days to proceed, so you could apply during your last days in Georgia. In any case, the accommodation details are for just reference, so you could just make a booking in any random hotel in Azerbaijan, and it should be fine.

Hi Joan, Thanks for your response. My visa came through in 36 hours. As I have already booked my flight leaving from Baku I wanted to ensure I had a visa for Azerbaijan well in advance. I tend to avoid countries which make it difficult to get a visa. I understand in Azerbaijan I will need to register as I will be staying longer than 10 days. I will look at your Pakistan report when I return as I intend to start in southern India and do 3 months and then into Pakistan. The visa for Pakistan looks complicated with letters etc required while India have recently increased the time for Australians to 3 months which is much better for my style of travelling. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

Thank you michael, enjoy Azerbaijan, and your future trip to Pakistan. And yes, the visa can be a pain, but it is really worth the shot. Cheers!

It was really enjoyable to read your review! Azerbaijan is definitely worth to visit. But i don’t really understand why you can’t define Azerbaijanin culture and cousine as a whole. I don’t see any point of comparing Azerbaijanis with any other nation, since they are unique. Coming to cousine, pelmeni are being cooked not only in Kazakhstan. There are many interpretations of this dish in various cousines, but i find Dushbara completely different and unique, as well as other national dishes of Azerbaijan. Ptrobably you’ve never tried levengi, turshkabab, fisincan, which i believe you hardly find anywhere else in the world, but in Azerbaijan. Cheers!!

Thanks for the explanation, I googled these dishes and they look absolutely delicious 😉

Thanks for the great information.

I am based in Denmark and my International Driving License from here states that it doesnt cover Azerbaijan – What is the situation to drive there? What do I need to do / have?

Thanks very much 🙂

Hi Brenda, as far as I know, any EU driving license should be enough to drive around Azerbaijan, as long as you are on a tourist visa. If your Danish license has different requirements, that’s something I can’t know

Is border between Azerbaijan and Iran open for international tourists?

As of today, Azerbaijan landborders remain closed

I like to go to hil quasar to see the village in country life vlog in you tube. Is that possible?

Thanks so much for this write up on Azerbijan, the best uptodate information I’ve read. I am travelling to Nakhichevan from UK with my son in a weeks time as he is in a chess tournament. I just wanted to ask as a women in this area, how will it be regarding what I wear etc. I also want to swim and wondering if I need to buy a special swimsuit? We are also vegan, any advice there?! Thanks Zoe

Hi Zoe, Azerbaijan is generally pretty relaxed, compared to any other Muslim countries. You can dress as you like, within modesty, of course. Regarding vegan food, it’s not the best place for that, but azari cuisine has some pretty elaborated salads

I’m glad that you gave your point of view, Baku seems a very interesting place to go as a tourist but is way better if you can see the city in a whole different point of view.

Hello This is Mr Murad from Sialkot Pakistan.. I would like to tour for azirbahijan..I want to marketing about appare How can I apply visa.. Regards Mr Murad Ali

Hey Beautiful article, thank

Hi Joan. Thank you for the itinerary and the article about Azerbaijan. I’m going to be in Azerbaijan for a week and interested in visiting the South (either hirkan national park or talysh mountains. Do you have any advice about travel there? And if 3 nights are enough (, for one of them only).

Never been in that area, unfortunately!

Hello, I read your post and I think it’s great how you described and explained everything.. iv But I have a question. Yesterday I wanted to apply for an e-visa on the official website of Azerbaijan. They refused my payment. So I wanted to apply for the visa at “Ivisa”. But it says that you can only fly to Azerbaijan and that’s the only way you can apply for a visa. But your post says that the entry by sea is possible. Is entry by ferry via sea really allowed, or could my entry into the country be rejected? I would be happy if you would answer

As long as you have a valid visa, you can use any port of entry to enter Azerbaijan

Just FYI to fill out bank forms before you go. I’m in country right now and all of my cards (from 3 separate banks) were suddenly cut off on Day 3 because Azerbaijan apparently is in a “red zone” that my pre trip research hadn’t uncovered. Aargh. Spending the evening arguing with the banks wasn’t on my bingo card.

Hi Jadzia, I am very surprised! where are your banks from?

Hi there! Thank you for a very informative article about Azerbaijan. We are planning a car trip with kids driving from Greece to Turkey to Georgia and reaching our final destination Azerbaijan. Maybe you could share any update on land borders with Georgia and land border crossing permit for those entering by car; What requirements i need in order to get it? Flying from Greece to Baku is super pricey and not really convenient connection flights either. .. thank you.!!

Hi Liana, borders are open but I’ve never crossed borders with a car, so I can’t tell whether you need permits or not

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Azerbaijan overall  due to the unpredictable security situation and ongoing tension along the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Azerbaijan (PDF 222.56 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 112 for the emergency hotline.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Azerbaijan overall.

Do not travel  to Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas or Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding military occupied areas.

Do not travel  to:

• Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas due to the risk of regular armed clashes
• Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas due to the uncertain security environment and unmarked landmines.
• The security situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains uncertain following military action in the region in September 2023.
• It's illegal to enter Nagorno-Karabakh without a permit. Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding region can have unmarked landmines. If, despite our advice, you travel to these areas, get professional security advice.
• Protests can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings and exercise heightened caution in locations where foreigners may gather.
• Violent crime is rare in Azerbaijan, but foreigners have reported serious crimes, including home burglaries, robbery and assault. Be alert when walking after dark, including near hotels and residential areas. Don't use unofficial taxis. Don't use ATMs on the street.
• Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Terrorists may target tourist areas and attractions or other places frequented by foreigners. Take official warnings seriously. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities. There's an increased threat of attacks against Israel and Israeli interests.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Medical facilities are adequate in private hospitals in Baku. Services in government hospitals and rural areas are often limited.
• If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation to Turkiye or Western Europe. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
• Malaria is a risk in the southern lowland areas. The risk is higher in summer, from June to August. Consider taking anti-malarial medication if you're travelling to these areas. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include typhoid, hepatitis and brucellosis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. The police can fine or detain you if you don't show a valid travel document when asked.
• Ensure you have the proper permits for buying antiques or cultural artefacts. It's illegal to export them without an official certificate and receipt of purchase. Export rules apply to religious objects, carpets, artworks and caviar. Check with local authorities before you export any items.
• It's illegal to convert a person to another faith.
• Most of Azerbaijan is conservative. Public displays of affection may not be welcome. Same-sex relations are legal but aren't widely accepted. LGBTI people may face discrimination, intolerance or violence based on sexuality and gender identity.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You'll need a visa to visit Azerbaijan. You can apply for an electronic visa valid for 90 days. 
• Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy in Azerbaijan. For consular assistance, contact the  Australian Embassy in Turkiye .
• You can also get limited consular assistance from the  British Embassy in Baku . They can't provide notarial services or issue Australian passports.
• Follow the embassy's social media accounts to stay up to date with local information.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Police sometimes use force to break up demonstrations.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid public protests and rallies
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Conflict zones

The region of Nagorno-Karabakh is now under the control of Azerbaijan following military action in September 2023. The security situation remains uncertain. Monitor local developments and announcements closely. 

We recommend you do not travel to Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas or Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding region can have unmarked landmines. If, despite our advice, you travel to these areas, get professional security advice. It's illegal to enter Nagorno-Karabakh without a permit.

Serious crime

Violent crime is rare in Azerbaijan.

Foreigners have reported serious crime, including home burglaries,  robbery  and  assault .

Be careful walking after dark, including near hotels and in residential areas.

Drink and food spiking

Watch out for drink and food spiking. This can occur in bars and nightclubs in Baku. You're at higher risk of theft if you get drugged.

Never accept food or drinks from strangers or new acquaintances. Never leave food or drinks unattended.

Petty crime and scams

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can happen. Take care at outdoor markets and on public transport, including the Baku Metro.

Travellers and expats have reported thieves posing as police officers who demand money. Ask to follow the police officer to the nearest station to pay the fine.

Avoid using unofficial taxis. Ask your hotel to arrange one, or go to an official taxi rank.

Use ATMs in controlled areas, like banks, shops and shopping centres. Avoid ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Terrorists may target tourist areas and attractions or other places frequented by foreigners. 

Exercise heightened caution in locations where foreigners may gather.

To stay safe:

• be aware while in places known to be possible targets
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there is an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Earthquakes  can happen in Azerbaijan.

To protect yourself if there's a  natural disaster  or  severe weather :

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with friends and family
• check local media and other sources

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Azerbaijan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Malaria  is a risk in the southern lowland areas of Azerbaijan. The risk is higher in summer, from June to August.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

HIV/AIDS  is common. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are adequate in private hospitals in Baku.

Services in government hospitals and other areas of the country are often limited. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common.

Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Turkiye or Western Europe. Make sure your insurance covers this. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Doctors and hospitals will usually need up-front payment before treatment.

Critical care for Australians who become seriously ill is likely to be significantly below the standards available in Australia.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include long prison sentences and heavy fines.

• Carrying or using drugs

Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. Routine police checks in public and tourist spots are common.

You could be fined or jailed if you don't show a valid travel document when asked.

In Azerbaijan, it's illegal to:

• visit or take photos of military equipment and sites
• take photos of military personnel
• buy antique or cultural artefacts without a permit
• export antiques or cultural artefacts without an official certificate and receipt of purchase
• convert a person to another faith

Export rules apply to religious objects, carpets, artworks and caviar. Check with local authorities before you export any items.

• If you're suspected of a crime, you may have to stay in Azerbaijan while your case is investigated.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Azerbaijan doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your  Australian passport .

Azerbaijan citizens may need to do military service. If you're an Australian-Azerbaijani dual national, get advice on your service obligations from the  embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan . Do this well before you travel.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Azerbaijan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our  Ramadan  page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Dress and behaviour

Dress standards can be conservative outside of Baku. Public displays of affection may not be welcome. Dress conservatively. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted.

Intolerance, discrimination and violence towards LGBTI people happens in Azerbaijan. Avoid public displays of affection.

• Advice for LGBTI people

Visas and Border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You'll need a visa to visit Azerbaijan. 

You can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) valid for 90 days. You can do this online through  Azerbaijan's Official Electronic Visa Portal . Allow at least 3 business days for processing.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months from the expiry date of the e-visa.

Visa extensions

You can apply to extend or renew your visa through Azerbaijan's  State Migration Service . Keep a copy of your passport and existing visa while your application is being processed. The Ministry of Interior Police may ask to see your documents at any time. See  Local laws .

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Registering with the police

If you plan to stay in Azerbaijan for over 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service online (registration upon place of stay) or at regional migration departments ( www.migration.gov.az ), even if you have a 90-day visa. Do this within 10 days of arrival. If you don't, you'll be fined.

You may not be able to leave Azerbaijan until you pay the fine and get an exit permit from the  State Migration Service .

Travel via Nagorno-Karabakh

If your passport has visas or stamps from Nagorno-Karabakh, you could be refused entry into Azerbaijan.

Travel via neighbouring countries

Travel restrictions may apply to Australians travelling overland from Azerbaijan to neighbouring countries.

Check the nearest  embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan  for any travel restrictions. You'll also need to check the rules of neighbouring countries.

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the  nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

Azerbaijan's currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).

Declare any amount of foreign currency on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can export up to $US10,000 without documentation. Contact the  embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan  for details.

Azerbaijan is a cash-based economy. You'll need to pay in local currency for most goods and services.

US dollars and euros are common. You can change notes in good condition for local currency.

Credit cards are becoming more common in major cities. They may not be accepted in smaller restaurants and stores.

Traveller's cheques aren't often accepted, except in major hotels, some restaurants and banks.

ATMs are available in major cities.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can drive in Azerbaijan with a current Australian driver's licence. Foreigners staying for more than one month may need to get a local driver's licence through ASAN Service Offices.

You may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for travel and car insurance. Check with your insurer and car provider before you drive.

Road travel

Driving in Azerbaijan can be dangerous. Common dangers include:

• roads and vehicles in poor condition
• drivers who ignore traffic signals and rules
• high-speed crashes that cause serious injury or death
• rural roads without lights or road signs
• sharing the road with pedestrians, slow-moving farm equipment and livestock

Right-hand drive cars are illegal in Azerbaijan.

It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol reading above 0%.

Before you drive in Azerbaijan:

• check if your travel insurance will cover you
• get to know local road rules

Look out for pedestrians, livestock and farm equipment when you drive, particularly in rural areas.

• Driving or riding

Use registered taxis and authorised limousines. It's best to get your hotel to arrange a taxi for you.

Avoid flagging down taxis in the street.

Always use an official taxi rank.

Sit in the back seat rather than the front.

Public transport

Public transport can be overcrowded, especially buses. It may not meet Australian safety standards.

Take care of your belongings because petty crime occurs.

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

The Baku Metro is fairly good, with basic safety equipment and procedures. Metro signs are in Azerbaijani.

To reduce your risks if you travel by overland train:

• secure your valuables
• don't leave the compartment unattended
• lock the door of your compartment from the inside

Before you travel on Azerbaijan's domestic airlines, be aware that:

• planes may not meet international standards for maintenance
• overbooking and overcrowding is common
• cancellations and delays can occur without explanation

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Azerbaijan's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Azerbaijan. For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Turkiye.

Australian Embassy, Ankara

MNG Building, 7th Floor 88 Uĝur Mumcu Caddesi Gaziosmanpaşa, Ankara Turkey

Phone: +90 312 459 9500 Fax: +90 312 446 4827 Website:  turkey.embassy.gov.au Email:  [email protected] Facebook: Australia in Turkiye X: @AusAmbTurk iye

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Limited consular assistance (not including notarial services or the issue of Australian passports) is available from the British Embassy in Baku.

British Embassy, Baku

45 Khagani Street Baku 1010 Azerbaijan

Phone: (+994 12) 437 7878 Fax: (+994 12) 497 7434 Website:  gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-baku

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Azerbaijan?

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Azerbaijan Tourist Visa: How to Apply, Eligibility, Requirements, Fees

Last Update: 14-02-2024

Aditya Jain

⚡Quick Summary

Azerbaijan tourist visa.

Do Indians Need an Azerbaijan Tourist Visa?

The tourist visa is perfect for Indian citizens planning a trip to Azerbaijan for leisure, sightseeing, or cultural events. Whether you're traveling for fun or exploration, this visa suits your needs. It allows for single or multiple entries and grants a stay of up to 30 days. For Indians intending to visit Azerbaijan, obtaining an Azerbaijan visa for Indians is crucial for entry into the country. Your Azerbaijan visa will be issued either electronically as a PDF document. Your Azerbaijan visa will be issued either electronically as a PDF document. Ensuring you have the correct visa is essential for a smooth entry into the Republic of Azerbaijan. Indian citizens have the option to apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa through either the ASAN Visa portal or Teleport , providing a convenient and efficient process for visa acquisition.

Table of Contents

Introduction, documents required for azerbaijan tourist visa application, how to apply for azerbaijan tourist visa.

Azerbaijan Tourist Visa Cost and Processing Time for Indians

Reasons for the Rejection of an Azerbaijan Tourist Visa

Dreaming of immersing yourself in Azerbaijan's enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture? Look no further! This blog is your go-to resource for effortlessly securing your Azerbaijan e-visa, designed with Indian travelers in mind. Bid farewell to visa complications – we've simplified the process for you.

Navigate using the navigation bar to access the desired section. If you require further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our Teleport visa specialists at +91 73148 52914 or connect with us via WhatsApp . We're available to support you every step of the way.

Let's embark on our journey to explore Azerbaijan visas together!

The documents necessary for applying for an Azerbaijan visa consist of:

• Passport Front and Back Page : A clear photograph of the passport's bio and rear pages.

Teleport’s Expert Tip

Make sure that the validity of your passport or other travel document exceeds the validity of the electronic visa you intend to obtain by at least three months.

Apply for Azerbaijan Visa with Teleport

Teleport collaborates with the embassy to ensure a smooth and timely visa process, free of any hassles. Here's how to apply for an Azerbaijan visa:

• Step 1: Visit the official Teleport|Azerbaijan Visa Application page.
• Step 2: Initiate your Azerbaijan visa application by clicking 'Start Application.' Choose the appropriate visa type, including options for single and express entry.
• Step 3: Upload scanned copies of your passport's front and back pages. Teleport will automatically input your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport details, and other required information. Alternatively, you can manually input this information.
• Step 4: Fill out the 'Visit Details' section with your travel itinerary, including intended arrival and departure dates.
• Step 5: Make your visa payment through Teleport. We charge a small service fee and offer the option to pay in full or partially upfront, with the remainder settled after our experts review your application.

✅Teleport will meticulously review your application and documents before submitting them to the embassy.

✅Teleport will keep you informed about your application's progress via WhatsApp and Email.

Once the embassy completes the review, Teleport will update your application status on the platform. You'll receive timely notifications regarding the embassy's decision. Upon approval, you can download your visa from the Teleport Dashboard .

Apply For Azerbaijan Visa through the Azerbaijan Asan e-Visa Portal

Step 1: Determine Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa category for your journey and verify your eligibility. Familiarize yourself with the required documents, processing duration, and associated fees.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents: For an Azerbaijan tourist visa application, ensure you have the specific documents listed in the visa requirements. If your documents are not in English, arrange for certified translation to expedite processing.

Step 3: Initiate the Application: Commence the online application process by inputting your nationality/citizenship, passport particulars, and verification code. Access the Online Application Portal .

Step 4: Specify Your Visit Purpose: Define the purpose of your Azerbaijan visit. Choose from options such as tourism, business, education, or sports. Provide the commencement date for your e-visa's validity aligned with your travel plans.

Step 5: Submit Personal Information and Passport: Complete the personal details section, including date of birth, gender, occupation, contact details, and email address. Input passport information, including number, issuance, and expiry dates. Additionally, specify accommodation details and upload a clear, properly formatted passport copy. Refer to the provided passport image example for guidance.

Step 6: Verify Email Address: Ensure email verification to receive important updates regarding e-visa acceptance, payment status, and issuance or cancellation notifications.

Step 7: Pay Visa Fees: Utilize debit or credit cards for fee payment during the application process. Once payment is complete, submit your application.

Step 8: Monitor Application Status: Stay informed about e-visa application acceptance, payment updates, and issuance or cancellation notifications via the provided email address. Accurate email entry is crucial for communication purposes. Track your application using your registration number, email address, or passport number.

Step 9: Receive Your eVisa: Upon application submission and fee settlement, anticipate receiving your e-visa via email within approximately four working days.

Common reasons for Azerbaijan tourist visas being denied in India are:

Inadequate documentation: Failure to submit all the required documents may result in a visa denial.

False information: Providing incorrect or false information can lead to an immediate rejection and potential future application bans.

Foreigners and stateless persons can apply for a visa at the relevant diplomatic mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan in case of visa rejection.

Insufficient financial proof: Lack of adequate proof of financial stability and inability to cover the cost of your stay can lead to rejection. Ensure you have accurate and up-to-date financial documents to support your application.

Weak ties to home country: Inability to establish strong connections to your home country, such as family, property, or employment, may raise questions about your intentions to return, potentially resulting in visa rejection.

In conclusion, obtaining an Azerbaijan tourist visa can be a straightforward process with the information provided in this guide. It's essential to ensure you meet the specific requirements for your travel purpose. Once you've prepared accordingly, Azerbaijan's diverse culture and stunning landscapes await your exploration.

For a hassle-free Azerbaijan tourist visa application experience, consider applying with Teleport. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the process, ensuring your submission meets all necessary criteria.

If you have any queries or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our committed team is prepared to offer guidance and support. You can contact us at +91 73148 52914 or reach out to us on WhatsApp .

Safe travels, and may your adventures in Azerbaijan be filled with unforgettable moments!

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© 2024 ASAN Visa

CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN IN DUBAI

“Müstəqilliyimiz əbədidir, daimidir, dönməzdir”

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• Apply process for visa

To obtain single entry visa for travel to the Republic of Azerbaijan the following documents must be submitted to the Consular Section:

• Completed visa application form;
• This application form can be filled out through  https://visaapplication.mfa.gov.az/  
• Valid passport or other travel document (photocopies will not be accepted) which should have at least one clear page for the visa, photocopy of  the passport and valid UAE resident visa (for non-UAE nationals)
• Hotel booking;
• Flight ticket;
• Two passport size photos colored on white background taken within last 6 months;
• No objection letter;
• Travel Insurance;
• The invitation letter (for business visa only).
• Payment: ADCB Bank - account no: 10022424319002.

Note : Payment should be done after submiting all documents to Consulate section.

For business and humanitarian visit-the invitation letter from receiving party along with the copy of the charter and state registration certificate of the company/organization;

Important note . Please note, all foreigners intending to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must register with the State Migration Service or “ASAN” service.

Important notice for foreign visitors. For more information  click here

• The countries applying the visa-free regime
• ASAN Visa ( e-Visa)
• Urgent e-visa
• The Rule of granting electronic signature certificate to non-residents via diplomatic missions and consulates of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• For Azerbaijani citizens
• Facilitation of the visa issuing procedures on the base of the agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan".
• Important information for UAE residents
• Travel Warning
• The following persons are entitled to get a visa at the international airport of the Republic of Azerbaijan with period of up to 30 days.
• Appointment

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Azerbaijan and UAE mutually switch to visa-free regime

Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have entered a visa-free regime, fostering an ever-closer partnership between the two nations. As of July 8th, 2023, citizens of both countries will be able to stay in Azerbaijan and UAE without a visa for up to three months. This momentous development not only signifies the rapid growth of relations but also paves the way for remarkable opportunities in various fields and sectors.

“We are excited to make a seamless travel experience for the travelers from UAE, making our destination more accessible. We are eagerly looking forward to welcome guests looking to explore versatile tourism experiences Azerbaijan has to offer” said Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board. 

In recent years, Azerbaijan has emerged as a highly sought-after travel destination for UAE travellers, in part due to its convenient direct flights and reputation as a dynamic cultural, and business hub. In 2022, almost 42,000 tourists from the UAE travelled to Azerbaijan which is more than double when compared to 2021.  With availability of the direct flight along with the visa-free regime exploring Azerbaijan has never been more accessible. Additionally, there are presently regular direct flights between Azerbaijan and United Arab Emirates. These include Azerbaijan Airlines and FlyDubai operating flights to Dubai, WizzAir offering flights to Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia servicing flights to Sharjah. With daily flights between Baku and Dubai along with other routes, the number of arrivals from the region is expected to grow further.

Azerbaijan is an exceptional combination of an Eastern country with a Western outlook. The needs of today's travellers are met by the availability of a wide range of modern amenities, such as world-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. The country boasts a wealth of attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Old City of Baku, the Caucasus Mountains, the Caspian Sea, and the traces of the ancient Silk Road, there's an abundance of sights to discover. The capital Baku is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that has both contemporary and ancient architecture: the city's skyline is dotted with modern skyscrapers alongside astonishing historic buildings. The city has something for everyone - from exploring the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old City, enjoying a vibrant nightlife, and taking your children to the entertainment center at Deniz Mall, to indulging in the delectable local cuisine.

Azerbaijan is also perfect for nature gateways in to lush nature, perfectly complementing days spend in the city. As sustainability has been a big part of Azerbaijan’s tourism strategy, it leads to the development of many “green” experiences such as birdwatching and hiking routes, preservation of local products and age-old cooking methods within the framework of Slow Food Travel, as well as protection of touristic sites through sustainable heritage management. Among many enchanting regions of Azerbaijan with lush nature and delicious local cuisine, one that can stand out as a great family destination is Shamakhi. The region has a number of interesting locations, including Shamakhi Safari Park and Shamakhi Alpaca farm. Family travel is a unique experience, demanding not only a safe and secure destination but one that offers engaging activities for both adults and children. Azerbaijan fulfils this requirement with ease, delivering a wide array of engaging and diverse activities designed to captivate children and allow parents to relax.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan is an exceptional travel destination. Its blend of modern amenities, rich historical sites, eco-conscious practices, and family-friendly activities ensure it caters to every traveller's desires, making for an unforgettable holiday experience.

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