Transit Visa: Azerbaijan To Paris - Do You Need One?

If you're transiting through Paris to Azerbaijan, you may need to apply for an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to enter France. This depends on your nationality and the country you're travelling from. If you do need a visa, there are three types of ATVs: one-way, return, and multiple. However, if you're only staying in the international zone of the airport in France, you may not need an ATV.

On the other hand, Azerbaijan does not require a transit visa if you do not leave the international transit area. However, if your layover exceeds 24 hours, you will need to apply for a transit visa.

Transit Visa Requirements for Azerbaijan

If you are transiting through Azerbaijan to another destination, you may need a transit visa. This requirement depends on your nationality and the length of your layover.

If you do not leave the international transit area of the airport and your stopover does not exceed 72 hours, you are exempt from obtaining a transit visa. However, it is recommended 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.

If your layover exceeds 24 hours, you will need to apply for a transit visa. The transit visa is valid for 30 days, and travellers can stay in Azerbaijan for up to 5 days. The processing time for a transit visa can take between 15 to 30 days, so it is best to apply in advance.

To apply for an Azerbaijan transit visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Your original passport with a minimum validity of six months.
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs.
• A copy of your confirmed flight tickets to and from Azerbaijan.
• A visa for the previous country of departure and the place of onward journey, if applicable.
• Any supporting documents, such as a letter explaining your purpose and plans for the transit.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Azerbaijan, if your layover is longer.

Additionally, it is important to note that Armenia citizens and citizens of any other country of Armenian descent are banned from entering Azerbaijan. Foreign citizens who have visited the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh area after 1991 are also not permitted to enter the country.

Transit Visa Exemptions for Azerbaijan

Passengers transiting through Azerbaijan are exempt from holding a transit visa, provided they meet the following conditions:

• They do not leave the airport's international transit zone.
• Their stopover does not exceed 72 hours.
• They have a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 72 hours.
• They have the necessary documents for their next destination.

However, it is important to check with your airline whether it allows visa-free travellers to transit through Azerbaijan, as some airlines may require a transit visa even for a short stay.

In addition to the above, there are several other visa exemptions for Azerbaijan:

• Citizens of member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), such as Armenia and Turkmenistan, do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan.
• 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 can enter without a visa. However, they must also have a confirmed return ticket and valid medical insurance for the duration of their stay.
• Citizens of certain countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America, are eligible for visa-free entry to Azerbaijan for a specified period.
• Azerbaijan occasionally offers temporary visa exemptions for participants and spectators of international sports and cultural events. These exemptions usually require an official invitation or entry ticket.

Transit Visa Application Process for Azerbaijan

If you are transiting through Azerbaijan to another destination and your layover exceeds 24 hours, you will need a transit visa. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Azerbaijan transit visa:

Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application Form

You can find the application form on the official website of the Embassy or Consulate of Azerbaijan. Fill out the form with the necessary details, such as personal information, passport details, travel dates, and the purpose of your visit. Make sure to attach all the required documents, as mentioned in the next steps.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for a transit visa application:

• Completed and signed visa application form
• Original passport with at least six months of validity remaining after your planned departure from Azerbaijan
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs taken within the last six months
• Confirmed flight tickets to and from Azerbaijan, showing that your layover exceeds 24 hours
• Visa for the previous country of departure and the place of the onward journey, if applicable
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Azerbaijan during the layover
• Copy of a document confirming full vaccination against COVID-19 or immunity to COVID-19 (for visa applicants over 18 years of age)

Step 3: Submit the Application

Submit your completed application, along with all the required documents, to the appropriate Embassy or Consulate of Azerbaijan. In some cases, applications may be accepted via mail or through an online portal. Make sure to submit your application well in advance, as processing times can vary.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

The processing time for a transit visa can take up to 15 to 30 days. Keep in mind that the Embassy or Consulate may request additional documents or information during the processing of your application.

Step 5: Receive the Visa

Once your transit visa application is approved, you will be notified, and you can pick up your passport with the visa affixed or printed on a separate sheet. Make sure to review the details of your visa and ensure they are correct.

Additional Information:

It's important to note that if you do not leave the international transit area at the airport in Azerbaijan, you may not need a transit visa. However, this depends on your nationality and the specific regulations of Azerbaijan. Always check the latest information on the official websites of the Embassy or Consulate of Azerbaijan before your travel.

Transit Visa Validity for Azerbaijan

If you are transiting through Azerbaijan to another destination and your layover exceeds 24 hours, you will need a transit visa. Transit visa applications should be submitted in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.

The transit visa is valid for 30 days, and a traveller transiting through Azerbaijan can stay for up to 5 days. The processing time for a transit visa can take 15 to 30 days.

To apply for a transit visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Your original passport with a minimum validity of six months.
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs.
• A copy of your confirmed flight tickets to and from Azerbaijan.
• A visa for the previous country of departure and the place of onward journey (if applicable).
• Any supporting documents, such as a letter explaining your purpose and plans for the transit.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Azerbaijan, if your layover is longer.

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. However, it is possible to apply for an Azerbaijan transit visa that is valid for five days.

Transit Visa Costs for Azerbaijan

If you are transiting through Azerbaijan and do not leave the international transit area, you do not need a transit visa. However, if you wish to leave the airport during your layover, you can apply for an Azerbaijan transit visa, which is valid for five days.

The standard processing time for an Azerbaijan transit visa may take 15 to 30 days. It is best to apply for this visa in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

The Azerbaijan transit visa costs vary depending on the type of visa and duration of stay. The standard e-Visa costs 65 USD, while the urgent e-Visa costs 115 USD. These prices include the government fee and service fee.

Please note that there might be additional payments, such as consular fees, service fees of outsourced companies, or application form fees.

Frequently asked questions