Exploring Azerbaijan: Understanding Tourist Influx

Azerbaijan is a country that straddles the border between Asia and Europe, with a unique culture influenced by its Caucasian roots, as well as Turkish and Iranian cultures. The country has seen exponential growth in tourism in recent years, thanks to the introduction of an e-visa system, which has facilitated international travel to the country. Azerbaijan's tourism sector has been developing at a rapid pace, with the country investing in the construction of more hotels to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. In 2017, Azerbaijan recorded a record-high number of foreign visitors, with 2,691,998 citizens from countries such as Russia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and the UAE choosing to explore this fascinating country.

Azerbaijan's tourism sector growth

Azerbaijan's tourism sector has been developing at a rapid pace in recent years. The country has a lot to offer visitors, from its ancient history and natural beauty to its unique culture and adventurous activities. The introduction of an e-visa system in 2017 has contributed to the exponential growth of the tourism industry, with a record-high number of 2,691,998 foreign visitors in 2017. Azerbaijan's tourism competitiveness indicators rank it 39th out of 148 countries.

The capital city, Baku, is a modern metropolis with a rich history. The Walled City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts over 50 historic and architectural monuments. Baku's Old City, with its medieval charm, is a popular attraction. The city also boasts stunning examples of modern architecture, such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. Baku offers a vibrant nightlife and is known for its culinary delights.

Beyond Baku, Azerbaijan boasts a diverse range of destinations. The cities of Ganja, Nakhchivan, Gabala, and Shaki offer unique cultural and historical experiences. Ganja, the birthplace of the legendary poet Nizami, blends ancient history with a vibrant youth culture. Nakhchivan, an autonomous republic, features breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, and a distinct cuisine. Gabala is a popular outdoor resort hub, while Shaki is renowned for its architectural heritage, including the 18th-century Palace of Shaki Khans.

Azerbaijan also offers diverse natural attractions, from the majestic Caucasus Mountains to the Caspian Sea. Mountain tourism is encouraged by the Mountain Sports Club, with resorts like Tufandag and Shahdag offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The country's nine national parks showcase its diverse flora and fauna, including the Gobustan National Park with its ancient rock carvings.

The country's unique culture, influenced by its location on the border of Asia and Europe, adds to its appeal. The Azerbaijani people are known for their hospitality, and the country offers a blend of traditions, cuisines, and architectural styles from neighbouring regions.

The growth of Azerbaijan's tourism sector has led to a focus on developing more accommodations. While the number of hotels has been increasing, there is still a shortage, particularly in the mid-range category. The government has recognised the need to develop a three-star hotel economy to cater to a wider range of tourists.

Tourist visa requirements

Azerbaijan's tourism sector has been developing at a rapid pace in recent years. In 2017, a record-breaking 2,691,998 foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan. The country has the capacity to accommodate about 40,000 tourists in its 535 hotels, which include luxury and budget options.

When planning a trip to Azerbaijan, it is important to note that most nationalities require a visa for entry. Here are the detailed requirements and steps to obtain a tourist visa:

• Visa Application: Visitors from eligible countries can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) through the "ASAN Visa" system or the Republic of Azerbaijan Official Electronic Visa Portal. The e-visa is available to tourists from 93 countries and offers a single-entry visit of up to 30 days. Alternatively, multiple-entry visas valid for up to 365 days can be obtained through the nearest Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
• Documents: To apply for an e-visa, you must have a valid passport from an eligible country. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the expiry of the e-visa.
• Processing Time: It typically takes three working days to receive an e-visa after submitting the online application.
• Fee: The fee for the e-visa is $20, paid electronically during the application process.
• Registration: All visitors staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must register with the State Migration Service (SMS) within 15 calendar days of their arrival. This registration can be done electronically or directly at regional migration offices and ASAN Service centres.
• Other Requirements: When entering Azerbaijan, travellers must declare any amount of foreign currency they are bringing into the country. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in.

Recommended time to visit

Azerbaijan is a year-round destination, with nine out of 11 climate zones found within its borders. However, the best time to visit Azerbaijan depends on your travel plans and which regions you want to explore.

The region around Baku, the capital, has a continental climate, with extremely hot summers and very cold winters. However, the city can be visited at any time of the year. Mid-spring and mid-autumn are considered the ideal times to visit Baku, with more moderate temperatures.

For those interested in exploring the mountains, the best time to visit is from April to October. Summer is the perfect season for trekking in the Caucasus Mountains.

Azerbaijan also offers a range of resort areas with varied climates, such as Gabala, Gusar, and Shahdag. These regions provide opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

The autonomous region of Nakhchivan, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique cuisine, can be visited throughout the year.

Overall, Azerbaijan's diverse climate and varied attractions make it a destination that can be enjoyed at any time, with each season offering its own unique experiences.

Baku's Old City

Within its walls, you'll find a maze of narrow alleys home to a few thousand residents, as well as museums, monuments, art galleries, eateries, and more. The Old City is a city within a city, where the ancient and modern coexist.

The Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is a mysterious structure in the southwestern part of the walled city, with its origins dating back to the 12th century or possibly even earlier. The tower stands at 29.7 metres (97 ft) tall, with a diameter of 16.5 metres (54 ft) and walls that taper from 5 metres (16 ft) thick at the bottom to 4 metres (13 ft) at the top. The tower has eight tiers and a 21-metre-deep (69 ft) well. The purpose and date of its construction are still not entirely known, but it is believed to be a Sasanid-era Zoroastrian site.

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a stunning architectural complex and the former residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty, who ruled during the medieval period. The complex includes a mosque, mausoleum, hamam (bathhouse), divankhana, gates, and a reservoir, in addition to the palace itself. Construction began in 1441 and was completed in 1558.

Other Attractions

In addition to these two iconic sites, the Old City offers a wealth of hidden gems, including the Museum of Miniature Books, the Marionette Theatre, historic mosques, caravanserais, and hamams. Small, independent art galleries, restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can also be found throughout the Old City, offering a modern twist to this ancient part of Baku.

Accessibility and Tourism

The Old City is easily accessible and can be explored on foot. Baku has a number of luxury and budget hotels, and its tourism sector has been developing rapidly in recent years, with an increasing number of tourist arrivals. In 2017, a record-high number of 2,691,998 foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan, with the majority coming from Russia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Walled City of Baku (Icheri Sheher) hosts over 50 historic and architectural monuments, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's diverse nature and climate

Azerbaijan's landscape varies from wetlands to high mountains, deserts to fertile valleys. The country is predominantly mountainous, surrounded by the Greater Caucasus, Lesser Caucasus, Talysh Mountains, and North Iranian Mountains. The Caucasus Mountains form the watershed that officially separates Europe and Asia. The Greater Caucasus range in the northern part of the country and the Lesser Caucasus in the south are separated by the broad valley of the Kura River, which flows through Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan into the Caspian Sea. The highest point in Azerbaijan is Mount Bazarduzu, at 4,467 meters (14,656 feet), and the lowest point is the Caspian Sea, 28 meters (92 feet) below sea level.

Azerbaijan's climate is equally unique, with nine of the Earth's eleven climate zones found within the country, despite it being in the temperate zone. The climate varies considerably from east to west, with the western mountains experiencing drier and more extreme weather, while the eastern part of the country, near the Caspian Sea, enjoys a more moderate climate. The Greater Caucasus range protects the country from the direct influence of cold air masses from the north, leading to the formation of a subtropical climate on most of the country's foothills and plains.

Azerbaijan's diverse nature is further reflected in its flora and fauna. The country has over 4,500 species of plants, with about two-thirds of all the species in the Caucasus region found within its territory. The country lies within four ecoregions: Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests, Caucasus mixed forests, Eastern Anatolian montane steppe, and Azerbaijan shrub desert and steppe.

Azerbaijan is also home to a diverse range of animal species. There are 106 species of mammals, 97 species of fish, 363 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians, and 52 species of reptiles recorded and classified in the country. The Karabakh horse, a mountain-steppe racing and riding breed endemic to Azerbaijan, is the national animal and a symbol of its fauna.

Frequently asked questions