How to get a visa for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is an Asian country bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. It has an area of less than 90.000 km2 and a population of about 10 million. Its capital is Baku and the country's official language is Azerbaijani. 

The climate in Azerbaijan is usually frigid, due to the influence of the air from the Arctic, and as such, it has many snowy landscapes with extensive mountains.

Do I need a visa to travel to Azerbaijan?

Yes, all foreigners travelling to Azerbaijan need to apply for a visa to enter the country.

Types of visas for Azerbaijan

For most trips to Azerbaijan, there is only one type of visa. In 2017, the government facilitated the country’s entry process, creating a standard electronic eVisa that greatly speeds up entry procedures.

Electronic visa (e-Visa)

This electronic visa must be applied for by all foreign citizens travelling to the country for:

• Tourism
• Unpaid meetings or business trips 
• Education or science projects
• Sports
• Medical treatment
• Visits from friends and family
• Humanitarian work

The eVisa is valid for 90 days and allows you to stay up to 30 days, with a single entry into Azerbaijan. It can be processed on an ordinary or urgent basis, meaning that the eVisa can be requested and obtained within a few hours.

For any stay longer than 30 days in Azerbaijan, you must go to the nearest embassy in your country of residence and process the different visas that exist for longer stays. These include work visas, student visas and residence visas.

How do I apply for an Azerbaijan visa?

The short-stay visa, valid for a maximum of 30 days, is processed online. You can apply for it with Visagov.com, a specialized company that will help you throughout the process. We have a simplified application form that limits any errors and is available in different languages.

For long-stay visas of more than 30 days, you must go in person to the nearest embassy.

Who needs a visa for Azerbaijan?

All foreign citizens who want to travel to Azerbaijan must apply for a visa. The only citizens not allowed to enter Azerbaijan are citizens with Armenian citizenship.

What are the requirements for a visa to Azerbaijan?

To apply for an e-Visa to Azerbaijan, you only need a valid passport with a validity of more than 6 months from the beginning of your trip.

Can the Azerbaijan visa be changed once it has been processed?

No, once the visa has been processed, it cannot be changed. If a mistake is made, you can go to an embassy to have it checked and request a new visa.

How much does a visa to Azerbaijan cost?

The cost of the government fees for the ordinary electronic visa of Azerbaijan is 23 USD. The cost of the urgent e-Visa will be 50 USD.

The cost of fees for long-stay visas will depend on the reason for the trip and how much time you are travelling for. You will need to go to the embassy for further information.

How far in advance do I need to apply for an Azerbaijan visa?

Processing a visa online usually takes between 5 and 7 working days. However, it is possible to process the visa urgently and have it within 24 hours if you pay the additional fee.

The recommended minimum time to apply for an ordinary visa would be 15 days in advance of travel, as government authorities may request extra information, which would lengthen the process.

It is advisable to process the visa with a minimum of 30 days if applying at the embassy in person.

What are the entry borders to Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental state with a land border with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and a maritime border with the Caspian Sea.

After the country’s independence in 1991, the Nagorno-Karabakh war broke out and came to an end in 1994. However, the conflict is still simmering to this day.

Azerbaijan’s capital is Baku, where the airport and the main entry to the country is located. It is also the capital of the country's largest seaport, the international port of Baku.

Do I need any vaccines to travel to Azerbaijan?

No, it is not necessary to be vaccinated to visit Azerbaijan. Only people from yellow fever endemic areas need to be vaccinated.

If you come from a yellow fever endemic country, you may be required to obtain a yellow fever vaccination card upon arrival.

What is the currency of Azerbaijan?

The official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). You can change the currency on arrival at the airport, at banks or official currency exchange offices. The use of credit cards is becoming more common in Azerbaijan, as the country receives more tourists. However, it is advisable to carry cash, since many establishments do not accept card payments yet. You can also withdraw money from cash machines, but typically only in the capital and in the more touristy cities.

When is the best time to travel to Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan's climate is semi-arid, with an average annual temperature of about 15 degrees. Summers maintain an average temperature of 25 degrees, while winters maintain an average of 5 degrees. The best time to travel to Azerbaijan is from May to October, as temperatures are warmer. We should bear in mind that temperatures can vary drastically from one part of the country to the other.

If your trip to Azerbaijan includes hiking or visiting the mountainous area, it is best to avoid the winter season. Snow can cause roads to close, leaving many mountain villages unreachable due to the weather conditions. It is advisable to travel between May and September.

Is it safe to travel to Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is a safe country to visit, with a very low rate of theft or robbery directed at tourists. The biggest problem you might encounter is when exchanging currency or with some unauthorized tourist guides. By sticking to official entities, you will not have any problem.

In the area of Nagorno-Karabakh and the neighbouring area of military occupation surrounding it, there are strong terrorist and military conflicts, so you must avoid this conflict zone.

The poor state of the roads can be a significant danger. When travelling to areas away from the main cities, be extra cautious of road conditions.

Important tips for travelling to Azerbaijan

• It is essential to travel with your approved visa, as in Azerbaijan, it is not possible to obtain the visa upon arrival. The government authorities do not issue any kind of visa either at the airport or at the land borders.
• Medical insurance is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended. During your journey in Azerbaijan, you must always be documented with your passport. Despite being a Muslim country, Azerbaijan has the influence of a mix of cultures. Women do not need to cover their heads, although clothing should be modest.
• The gastronomy of this country is very diverse as it is a mixture of eastern and western food. During your trip, you will be able to enjoy a varied mix of cuisine.
• It is best to avoid photographing railways, subway stations, and other buildings that the authorities may consider "strategic" importance. The authorities have reportedly detained foreign railway buffs on suspicion of espionage.