Azerbaijan Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Azerbaijan

Wondering if you need a visa for Azerbaijan? You've landed in the right spot. This guide is here to clear up any confusion about whether you'll need a visa for your Azerbaijan adventure and, if so, which kind suits your trip best.

What’s an Azerbaijan eVisa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Azerbaijan eVisa for?

Nationals from over 90 countries, including Australia, Canada, the USA, the United Kingdom, and more, need to apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa (also known as an ASAN Visa) before entering the country.

Who’s not eligible for an Azerbaijan eVisa?

• Citizens from countries that don’t need a visa to enter Azerbaijan.

• Nationals from more than 80 countries that don’t qualify for an Azerbaijan eVisa and need to apply for a visa at the nearest embassy or consulate. These countries include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, and more.

Can you travel visa-free or do you need to apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa? Use the Visa Checker Tool to find out.

What’s the purpose of the Azerbaijan eVisa?

The Azerbaijan eVisa serves a variety of purposes, including tourism, business visits, participation in sports and cultural events, short-term education and scientific projects, as well as visiting family or traveling for medical reasons.

How long can you stay with an Azerbaijan eVisa?

An Azerbaijan eVisa allows for a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days in total within the country.

What’s an Azerbaijan Business Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Azerbaijan Business Visa for?

Foreign nationals visiting Azerbaijan for business-related activities.

What’s the purpose of the Azerbaijan Business Visa?

It’s tailored for short-term business engagements within Azerbaijan. This includes attending meetings, conferences, seminars, or conducting negotiations.

How long can you stay with an Azerbaijan Business Visa?

The visa permits a Single entry with a stay of up to 30 days per entry, and it's valid for 90 days from the issue date. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension with the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, though an extension is not guaranteed​.

What’s an Azerbaijan Medical Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Azerbaijan Medical Visa for?

The Azerbaijan Medical Visa is designed for people coming to Azerbaijan specifically for medical examination and treatment.

What’s the purpose of the Azerbaijan Medical Visa?

This visa caters to those needing medical examinations or treatment in Azerbaijan.

How long can you stay with an Azerbaijan Medical Visa?

The Medical eVisa allows for a single entry with a stay of up to 14 days per entry and is valid for 30 days after arrival.

What’s an Azerbaijan Transit Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Azerbaijan Transit Visa for?

The Azerbaijan Transit Visa is for travelers passing through Azerbaijan to reach another country. It's designed for foreigners and stateless persons who need to cross Azerbaijan's territory during their journey to a third country.

What’s the purpose of the Azerbaijan Transit Visa?

Its primary purpose is to facilitate the transit of travelers through Azerbaijan when they are en route to another destination.

How long can you stay with an Azerbaijan Transit Visa?

The transit visa allows for a stay of up to 5 days and is valid for 30 days.

What are the Azerbaijan long-term visa options and who are they for?

Azerbaijan offers a variety of long-term visa options catering to different needs, including business activities, educational pursuits, employment opportunities, and more. Here's a brief overview of some common long-term visa types available.

• Official Visa: Issued to diplomats or foreign government officials visiting Azerbaijan for official government business.

• Educational Visa: Allows international students to enroll in Azerbaijani educational institutions.

• Employment Visa: For individuals seeking to work in Azerbaijan, linking them to the local labor market.

• Cultural Exchange Visa: Designed for cultural exchange participants to learn about Azerbaijani culture and share their own.

• Scientific Visa: For researchers and scientists conducting studies or projects in Azerbaijan.

• Humanitarian Visa: Issued under specific conditions such as critical health conditions of a relative in Azerbaijan or seeking refuge.

• Private Visa: Issued to individuals visiting Azerbaijani relatives who can provide accommodation.

It's important to note that we don’t handle these long-term visa applications. For detailed information on each visa type, application procedures, and the most up-to-date requirements, it's recommended to visit the State Migration Service website.

Staying healthy in Azerbaijan: Here’s what you need to know

Ensuring your health is in tip-top shape before visiting Azerbaijan is key to enjoying your trip without any hitches. Here's the lowdown on staying healthy, focusing on the vaccinations and safety measures you need.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

It's important to make sure you're caught up on all the usual vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.

For those planning a trip to Azerbaijan, consider the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A: Advised for travelers aged one year and older who haven't been vaccinated and are visiting Azerbaijan.

• Hepatitis B: Suggested for travelers under 60 who haven't received the vaccine and are heading to Azerbaijan.

• Measles: Babies from 6 to 11 months should get an MMR vaccine dose before traveling.

• Rabies: Especially recommended for visitors who will spend a lot of time outdoors, in rural areas, or interacting closely with animals.

• Stay updated on the latest COVID-19 travel guidelines in Azerbaijan, including any requirements for quarantine, testing, or vaccination proof. Check with your airline or visit the Ministry of Health website for the most current information.

Medical facilities

Azerbaijan offers a mix of public and private healthcare services. In big cities like Baku, you'll find that healthcare services are more advanced. But, keep in mind, in remote areas, healthcare facilities can be pretty basic.

• Outside of Baku, the options are quite limited. For serious health issues or injuries, you might even need to be taken to Turkey or Western Europe for treatment. It's crucial to ensure your insurance plan covers such eventualities.

• Many international visitors or those looking for specialized treatment tend to lean towards private health care. This is because it usually provides a broader array of services and easier access to medical specialists.

• In the cities, pharmacies are easy to come by and stock a wide range of medications you can buy without a prescription. However, if there's a specific prescription medicine you need, it's wise to bring it with you.

Health insurance

Before setting off on your adventure, having the right health insurance in place is essential.

Treatment in private clinics or hospitals can be quite pricey, and you'll want to be sure your insurance policy can cover large expenses, including the cost of medical evacuation if necessary.

Your insurance should adequately cover you for:

• Compensation for any travel issues, like cancellations, delays, or interruptions.

• Expenses for medical treatments and the possibility of needing to be evacuated for medical reasons.

• Claims for any lost luggage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan welcomes tourists with open arms, but keeping a few health and cultural tips in mind can help ensure your visit is both enjoyable and respectful.

1. Respect local culture: With the majority of Azerbaijan's population practicing Islam, showing respect for local traditions and laws is key. Opt for modest clothing when out in public spaces such as shopping centers and eateries. During Ramadan, it's polite to avoid eating and drinking in public during daylight.

2. Eating and drinking safely: To steer clear of illness, drink only bottled water and be cautious with raw or undercooked meals.

3. Understanding local laws and social norms: Make an effort to learn about and comply with the local laws to prevent any accidental disrespect. Public affection is generally not appreciated, and taking photos of specific buildings, like government or military sites, is not allowed.

4. Dealing with altitude sickness: If you're heading to high-altitude areas such as Shahdag and Tufandag ski resorts, Batabat Lake in Nakhchivan, or the Talysh Mountains, be aware of altitude sickness. Listen to advice from local guides or tour operators, and if you feel unwell, don't hesitate to move to a lower elevation.

Medication for personal use

Bringing medications to Azerbaijan? Here's a quick checklist to ensure you're all set:

• Declare all medications: It's important to let customs know about any medications you're carrying, especially prescription or controlled drugs.

• Keep medicine in its original packaging: Keep your medications in their original containers, complete with labels showing your name and the prescription details.

• Have a prescription or doctor's note: Have documentation from your doctor or a recent prescription note that explains your need for the medications.

• Check for restrictions: Before you go, check with Azerbaijan's embassy or consulate to ensure your medications aren't prohibited or subject to restrictions.

• Bring only what you need: To minimize complications, pack only the amount of medication you'll need for your trip.