Transit Visa Requirements: Azerbaijan Travel Guide

If you're planning to travel through Azerbaijan, it's important to know the country's visa rules. While citizens of member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) can enter Azerbaijan without a visa, citizens of other countries will need to obtain one. For those transiting through Azerbaijan, the requirements depend on whether you will be leaving the airport or not.

Transit without a visa

If you are transiting through Azerbaijan, you do not need a visa as long as you meet the following criteria:

• You must have a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 72 hours.
• You must remain in the international transit area of the airport.
• You must have all the necessary documents for your next destination.
• You must not leave the airport.

It is important to note that some airlines may still require a transit visa, even for a short stay. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your airline before travelling. Additionally, the validity of your passport must be no less than three months after the date of your planned departure from Azerbaijan.

If you are a citizen of a CIS member country, you can enter Azerbaijan without a visa. These countries include Armenia (out of conflict) and Turkmenistan. The authorised length of stay for nationals of these countries is usually around 90 days, depending on the bilateral agreements between Azerbaijan and each member state.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. They can apply for an e-visa, which can be obtained before departure on the official government website. The cost of the Azerbaijan visa for US citizens is USD $95.99 for standard processing, USD $107.99 for rush processing, and USD $130.99 for super rush processing. The application process is entirely online and simple, and the visa is typically processed within 6 business days.

The requirements for the Azerbaijan e-visa are a valid passport, a digital scan of the passport, a valid email address, and a valid payment method. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay, which is typically 30 days for the e-visa.

Additionally, US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival by travelling with a New York-Baku direct flight. However, it is important to note that Azerbaijan does not require a transit visa if an individual does not leave the international transit area at the airport.

Visa requirements for Pakistani citizens

Pakistani citizens must apply for a visa before entering Azerbaijan. The visa requirements and application process for Pakistani citizens are outlined below.

Azerbaijan Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens:

• A valid passport with at least three months of remaining validity.
• A scanned copy of the personal information page of your passport.
• Proof of your purpose of visit and duration of stay in Azerbaijan, such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Azerbaijan, such as bank statements.
• A recent passport-style colour photograph.
• Payment for the e-visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.

Azerbaijan E-Visa Application Process for Pakistani Citizens:

• Visit the official Azerbaijan e-visa website and click on "Apply Now" to start your application.
• Fill out the electronic visa application form with your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and valid passport information.
• Indicate the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay in Azerbaijan. Provide additional details about your trip, such as your arrival date, hotel reservation, and return flight information.
• Upload a scanned copy of your passport's personal information page and a recent passport-style colour photograph.
• Pay the e-visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
• Review your application details carefully and submit your application.
• Await a response via email from the e-visa system.

Additional Information:

• The standard single-entry e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and the maximum duration of stay is 30 days.
• The processing time is approximately 3 working days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons.
• Pakistani citizens cannot work on an Azerbaijan e-visa. If you plan to work in Azerbaijan, you will need to apply for a work visa through the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements for citizens of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is an intergovernmental organisation that emerged in 1991 from the former republics of the Soviet Union. It is currently made up of ten member states, all located in Asia and Eastern Europe, with a combined area of 21.46 million km² and a population of about 248.45 million (3.1% of the world population). The CIS was established to encourage cooperation in economic, political, and military affairs, and has powers relating to trade, finance, lawmaking, and security.

The CIS initially included Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. However, Georgia was a member from 1993 to 2009, and Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania chose not to participate. Over time, several member countries have distanced themselves from the CIS due to political and ideological differences, and the increasing dominance of Russia.

Citizens of CIS member countries do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. The length of stay for these nationals varies according to bilateral agreements between Azerbaijan and each member state and is generally around 90 days. However, those transiting through Azerbaijan and staying within the airport's international transit zone for less than 72 hours are also exempt from visa requirements.

Visa requirements for citizens of countries with a visa-free regime

Citizens of member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. This includes the following countries:

• Armenia (out of conflict)
• Turkmenistan

The length of stay for nationals of these countries varies according to bilateral agreements between Azerbaijan and each member state, but is generally around 90 days.

Holders of valid residence permits issued by a member country of the Schengen Area, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are also exempt from visa requirements. To benefit from this exemption, travellers must also have a confirmed return ticket and medical insurance covering their entire stay.

Passengers in transit through Azerbaijan are also exempt from visa requirements, provided they do not leave the airport's international transit zone and their stopover does not exceed 72 hours. However, it is important to check with your airline whether they allow visa-free travellers to make a stopover in Azerbaijan, as some may require a transit visa even for a short stay.

In certain cases, Azerbaijan offers temporary visa exemptions for participants and spectators at international sporting and cultural events. These exemptions are typically granted upon presentation of an official invitation or entry ticket for the event.

Frequently asked questions