By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the various visa options, required documents, fees, application steps, special rules for longer stays or dual citizens, and recent policy changes—so you can plan your trip without surprises.

Types of Azerbaijan Visas

Azerbaijan offers several entry permits, each suited to different travelers:

• Tourist Visa (single or multiple entry)
• E-Visa valid for stays up to 30 days
• Transit Visa for connections through Baku Airport
• Visa on Arrival at select entry points
• Diplomatic/Official Visas for government or UN passport holders

E-Visa for Azerbaijan

Most visitors choose the e-Visa for its speed and convenience:

• Application portal: official Azerbaijan e-Visa portal
• Processing time: 3 business days
• Fee: USD 25–26, depending on nationality
• Validity: 90 days from issue date, stay up to 30 days
• Required documents:
• Scanned passport bio page
• Recent passport-style photo
• Proof of onward/return ticket
• Hotel reservation or invitation letter
• Travel insurance covering Azerbaijan

Visa on Arrival vs. Transit Visa

• Visa on Arrival
• Available at Heydar Aliyev International Airport for select nationalities.
• Fee and eligibility list on the e-Visa portal.
• Visa-Free Transit
• If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa and transit Baku within 24 hours, no Azerbaijani visa is required according to iVisa’s guidance on transit visa exemptions.

Required Documents and Biometric Screening

Before you apply, gather:

1. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
2. One digital photo (35×45 mm, white background).
3. Travel insurance valid in Azerbaijan.
4. Hotel booking or invitation from a host.
5. Flight itinerary with confirmed departure.

Azerbaijani authorities may collect biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) upon arrival for additional security screening; see the official biometric data collection procedures for details.

Application Process and Fees

Follow these steps for an e-Visa:

1. Create an account at the e-Visa portal.
2. Complete the online form, upload documents.
3. Pay fee by credit/debit card.
4. Receive e-Visa PDF via email.
5. Print and present alongside your passport at arrival.

Standard embassy-issued tourist visas take 5–7 business days and incur consular fees varying by country (USD 30–100).

Entry Requirements and Customs Regulations

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of around 80 nations—including Turkey, Georgia, Israel, and the UAE—do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. For the full list, consult the comprehensive visa exemption list.

Customs Limits

• Currency import/export limit: AZN 50,000 or equivalent.
• Duty-free allowance: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
• Declare firearms, prescription drugs, and large amounts of cash.

Special Cases and Registration Rules

• Stays over 15 days: Mandatory registration with the State Migration Service within 10 business days of arrival.
• Dual Citizens or Armenian Heritage: Travelers with Armenian passports or those born in Armenia must obtain prior approval from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs—few exceptions apply.
• Failure to Register: Fines start at AZN 200, with possible deportation under the State Migration Service registration requirements.

Political and Regional Considerations

• Border Restrictions: The Armenia–Azerbaijan border remains closed; any travel to Nagorno-Karabakh without permission can lead to visa denial.
• CIS Agreements: Citizens of some CIS countries receive simplified visa procedures or mutual exemptions under intergovernmental pacts.

“Any visitor must comply with local regulations, especially if entering disputed regions. Ignorance of the law isn’t a defense.”
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan

Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

• Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports often benefit from:
• Waived visa fees.
• On-arrival or unlimited visa validity, per bilateral agreements.
• Confirm eligibility with your home country’s foreign office or the nearest Azerbaijani embassy.

Trends, Statistics, and Refusal Cases

In 2022, Azerbaijan welcomed 1.49 million international tourists, up 20 percent over 2021, according to Azerbaijan’s international tourist arrivals data.
Common refusal reasons beyond paperwork include:
– Prior unauthorized stays.
– Visits to disputed territories without clearance.
– Security-related flags in global databases.

Your Journey Starts Here

Now that you’re equipped with up-to-date visa rules, document checklists, special-case advice, and regional considerations, you can apply confidently. Double-check registration deadlines if you plan a longer visit, keep your travel documents handy, and enjoy Azerbaijan’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and modern hospitality. Safe travels!