Visa On Arrival: Azerbaijan's Easy Entry For Travelers

Azerbaijan has different visa policies for different nationalities. While some foreign nationals can enter without a visa, others can obtain a visa on arrival, and others must obtain a visa before travelling. The visa on arrival option is available to citizens of a limited number of countries, including China, Bahrain, Macau, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE. Citizens of Iran and the US can also obtain a visa on arrival, but only under certain conditions.

Visa on arrival eligibility

The eligibility criteria for a visa on arrival in Azerbaijan depend on your nationality. Most nationalities only need to apply for an e-visa, and some don't need a visa at all. However, citizens of certain countries are eligible for a visa on arrival under specific conditions.

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival at any international airport in Azerbaijan: China, Bahrain, Macau, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visa is typically valid for thirty days and allows a single entry.

Additionally, citizens of Turkey, Iran, and the United States (US) can obtain a visa on arrival under special conditions. Turkish citizens can stay for up to sixty days, Iranian citizens for fifteen days, and US citizens for thirty days, but their flight must be a direct Azerbaijan Airlines flight from New York City.

Electronic visa

The Republic of Azerbaijan introduced an e-Visa system in January 2017. The system is known as the ASAN Visa and visas are issued for a single-entry visit of up to 30 days. The e-Visa should be printed and presented with your passport (which must be valid for at least three months beyond the expiry date of the visa) at the border checkpoint.

There are two types of e-Visa application: a standard application and an urgent application. The standard application costs 20 USD and takes up to three working days to process. The urgent application costs 50-55 USD and is processed within three hours. In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay a 5 USD service fee.

Citizens of the following countries and territories may obtain an e-Visa:

• All European Union member states
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• United States of America

Azerbaijan's visa policy also includes visa-exempt countries and citizens eligible for a visa on arrival. Citizens of the following countries are exempt from needing a visa:

• Belarus
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Bulgaria
• Cuba
• Czechia
• Hungary
• Mongolia
• Poland
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Vietnam
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• United Arab Emirates

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a visa on arrival:

• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America (until 2024, only if arriving on a direct flight from New York City)
• Iran (Islamic Republic of)
• Turkey

Visa-exempt countries

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Azerbaijan. These include:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• United Arab Emirates

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan, but they must register their location with the State Migration Service if they plan to stay for more than 15 days:

• Kazakhstan
• Belarus
• Georgia
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a visa on arrival:

• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America (if arriving on a direct flight from New York City)
• Iran
• Turkey
• Qatar (as of November 2021)
• Serbia (as of November 2023)
• China (from 20 July 2024 to 20 July 2025)
• Morocco (from 28 August 2024)

Visa application process

The visa application process for Azerbaijan depends on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Here is a detailed and direct guide on how to apply for a visa to enter Azerbaijan.

Visa Options:

Firstly, it is important to note that some nationalities are exempt from obtaining a visa and can enter Azerbaijan visa-free for up to 90 days. These countries include Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Arab Emirates can also enter without a visa, but for up to 30 days. Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a visa on arrival:

• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America (if arriving on a direct flight from New York City)
• Iran
• Turkey
• Citizens with a residence visa issued by the United Arab Emirates
• Citizens with a valid permanent residence card issued by any country of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
• Travellers holding a letter of consent from the State Migration Service

Azerbaijan Electronic Visa (e-Visa):

The Azerbaijan e-Visa is available to visitors from nearly 100 countries. The e-Visa is valid for a single-entry visit of up to 30 days and must be printed and presented with the visitor's passport upon entry. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the expiry date of the visa. The standard processing time for the e-Visa is three days, and the cost is $20 USD with an additional $5 USD service fee. An urgent application can be processed within three hours for $55 USD.

To apply for an e-Visa, applicants must:

• Complete the e-Visa online application form, providing personal, contact, travel, and passport information.
• Pay the visa fee and service fee online.
• Submit the application with supporting documents. These vary depending on the type of visa and include:

• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations
• A personal invitation letter from the host with their contact information, purpose and duration of the visit, confirmation of accommodation, signature, and date
• A copy of the inviting party's ID
• Proof of financial stability for education or medical treatment
• A proof of tourism, such as a tourism voucher
• A transit visa for the destination country (if applicable)
• An onward ticket to the destination country (if applicable)

Sticker Visa:

For those who do not qualify for the e-Visa, a Sticker Visa can be obtained by submitting a request at the nearest Azeri embassy or consulate. The Sticker Visa is a travel document that permits foreign travellers to enter Azerbaijan. It is granted to diplomatic, service, and ordinary passport holders. The processing time for a Sticker Visa is a minimum of 15 days.

To apply for a Sticker Visa, applicants must submit the following documents:

• A completed visa application form
• A valid passport or other travel documents
• Two recent coloured photographs
• A medical insurance certificate
• Receipt of the paid visa fee
• Application submitted by the inviting party (if applicable)
• A document stating the purpose of the invitation and a copy of the registration certificate (for non-governmental organizations)

Additional documents may be required for those under 18 who are travelling without their parents or guardians, as well as for specific purposes of the visit (tourism, science or education, medical treatment, private visits, or transit).

Registration:

All visitors staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days (30 days for citizens of Kazakhstan) must register their location with the State Migration Service. This can be done online, by email, or directly at regional migration offices and ASAN Service centres.

Visa requirements

Azerbaijan has an active visa policy regulating visitors, immigrants, and outflow. The visa requirements for Azerbaijan depend on the traveller's nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries can enter Azerbaijan without a visa for up to 90 days:

• Belarus
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• United Arab Emirates

Countries Eligible for an Electronic Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the following countries may obtain an electronic visa, valid for a maximum stay of 30 days, on arrival at any international airport:

• All European Union member states
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Trinidad and Tobago

Countries Eligible for a Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival, provided they meet certain conditions:

• United States of America: Must arrive on a direct flight from New York City
• Iran: Can stay in the country for 50 days
• Turkey: Can stay in the country for a maximum of 60 days
• United Arab Emirates: Must hold a residence visa
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Must hold a valid permanent residence card

Countries Requiring a Visa in Advance

If a traveller does not meet the requirements for a visa exemption, visa on arrival, or electronic visa, or wishes to work or study in Azerbaijan, they must apply for a physical visa in advance through an Azerbaijani diplomatic mission.

Frequently asked questions