Egyptians' Guide To Acquiring Azerbaijan Visa Smoothly

Azerbaijan is a small country with a rich history and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Baku, the capital city, is home to the country's most popular tourist sites, including the famous fire mountain. To enter Azerbaijan, citizens of Egypt need to apply for a visa. In this article, we will discuss the process of obtaining an Azerbaijani visa for Egyptian citizens, including the different types of visas available, the requirements, and the necessary documents. We will also explore the relationship between Egypt and Azerbaijan and provide essential travel information for those planning a trip to this fascinating country.

How to apply for an Azerbaijan tourist visa from Egypt

To apply for an Azerbaijan tourist visa from Egypt, several steps and requirements must be fulfilled. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain an Azerbaijan tourist visa if you are a citizen of Egypt:

Azerbaijan Tourist Visa Requirements for Egyptian Citizens:

Firstly, ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the Azerbaijan tourist visa. As an Egyptian citizen, you need to acquire a visa before travelling to Azerbaijan, as Egypt is not on the visa-free list. Here are the requirements you must meet:

• Hold a valid Egyptian passport with a validity of more than six months from the intended exit date from Azerbaijan. Ensure that your passport has at least two blank pages for necessary stamps.
• Submit two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background that adhere to the specifications for visa applications.
• Provide an original copy of your bank statement for the three months preceding your visa application. This demonstrates a steady and continuous flow of funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Azerbaijan.
• Obtain travel insurance with sufficient medical coverage for the duration of your stay in Azerbaijan.
• Provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Azerbaijan.
• Submit a copy of your return flight ticket to Egypt.

Visa Application Process:

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can proceed with the visa application process:

• Visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Cairo, Egypt: http://cairo.mfa.gov.az. Alternatively, you can contact the embassy via phone or email to inquire about the visa application process and any specific instructions or requirements.
• Obtain and duly complete the Azerbaijan visa application form. Ensure that it is correctly filled out and signed by the applicant.
• Submit your application, along with all the required documents, to the Azeri embassy in Cairo. You may need to schedule an appointment for the submission.
• After submitting your application, you may be called for an interview at the embassy. Present the original copies of all your documents for review during the interview.
• If your visa application is approved, the visa will be attached to your passport, and you will be able to travel to Azerbaijan.

Please note that the processing time for a tourist visa is typically around 10 working days, and this visa allows holders to stay in Azerbaijan for up to 90 days. Additionally, always check the embassy's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and procedures.

Azerbaijan visa requirements for Egyptian citizens

To enter Azerbaijan, Egyptian citizens must obtain a visa in advance. This can be done by visiting the Azeri embassy in Cairo or by submitting an online application. Here are the requirements for Egyptian citizens to obtain an Azerbaijan visa:

Passport

You will need a valid Egyptian passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your intended entry date to Azerbaijan. Ensure that your passport has at least two blank pages for the necessary entry and exit stamps.

Visa Application Form

You must complete and sign a visa application form. This form can be submitted online or at the Azeri embassy.

Passport-Sized Photographs

Provide two recent passport-sized photographs with a plain white background. These photos should meet the specifications for visa applications.

Bank Statement

Submit an original copy of your bank statement for the three months prior to your visa application. This demonstrates a steady and continuous flow of funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Azerbaijan.

Travel Insurance

Obtain travel insurance with sufficient medical coverage for the duration of your trip.

Proof of Accommodation

Provide proof of your accommodation arrangements for the duration of your stay in Azerbaijan.

Return Flight Ticket

Submit a copy of your return flight ticket to show that you intend to exit the country within the specified timeframe.

Travel Itinerary

Include a copy of your travel itinerary and specify the purpose of your visit to Azerbaijan.

Interview

After submitting your application, you may be called for an interview at the Azeri embassy in Cairo. Ensure that you bring the original copies of all your documents for review.

Please note that the processing time for a tourist visa is typically around 10 working days, and this visa allows holders to stay in Azerbaijan for up to 90 days. Additionally, it is important to respect Azerbaijan's secular laws and refrain from proselytizing or engaging in any religious activities that may be prohibited.

Azerbaijan Embassy in Cairo, Egypt: Contact details and address

The Azerbaijani Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, is located at Maadi Sarayat, Street 10, Villa 16/24, Cairo, Egypt. The phone number is +(20) (2) 2358 3761 or +(20) (2) 2358 3783, and the fax number is +(20) (2) 2358 3725. You can also contact the embassy via email at [email protected] or through the website http://cairo.mfa.gov.az. The Head of Mission is Tural Rzayev, Ambassador.

The embassy offers various services to its citizens, including emergency services, passport and visa processing, birth certificates, document legalization, and other services that fall within a diplomatic mission's jurisdiction. Additionally, the embassy may provide legal aid to citizens who have been arrested or declared violators of Egyptian law.

It is recommended to make an appointment before visiting the embassy. The embassy offices may be closed during Azerbaijani or Egyptian holidays, so it is advisable to contact them in advance to confirm the opening hours. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, the opening hours may be subject to change.

The consular department of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Cairo provides consular assistance to both Azerbaijani citizens in Egypt and visitors from Egypt to Azerbaijan. The services offered include visa applications, passport renewals, marriage registration, document legalization, birth registration, and issues related to Azerbaijani nationality.

Azerbaijan visa fees

To enter Azerbaijan, Egyptian citizens must obtain a visa in advance. While there are no details on the exact fees for Egyptian citizens, the standard fee for a single-entry eVisa is typically around $25, excluding service fees. The Azerbaijan visa fee varies depending on the applicant's nationality, processing time, and purpose of travel.

The visa application process involves specific fees, including a mandatory government fee that covers the visa issuance cost set by the Azerbaijani government, and a service fee that covers the handling and processing of your visa application.

The Azerbaijan e-Visa offers three processing options with corresponding fees: Standard, Rush, and Super Rush. The Standard option is included in the visa cost and will have your application processed within 3-5 working days. The Rush option costs $59 USD and offers expedited service within 1-3 working days. The Super Rush option costs $99 USD and is the fastest processing option, completing your application within 3-6 hours.

It is important to note that the Azerbaijan visa fee must be paid in advance during the online application process, and visa on arrival is typically not available for most travellers. Accepted payment methods include debit or credit cards, and PayPal.

Azerbaijan tourist attractions and things to do

As a small nation, Azerbaijan has a lot of cultural and historic wonders to offer. The country has seen a steady increase in tourism over the years, with approximately 2.2 million visitors annually. The capital, Baku, is home to most of the country's popular tourist sites. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Azerbaijan:

• Explore Baku – Baku, the capital, is a unique blend of the old walled city of Icheri Seher and modern skyscrapers. Baku is home to the famous Flame Towers, a trio of buildings designed to resemble fire. The city also boasts the Museum of Contemporary Art, with over 900 artworks, and Teze Bazaar, a market renowned for its cheeses and spices.
• Visit the Absheron National Park – Located in Baku, this national park spans 783 hectares and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, including gazelles, birds, jackals, badgers, and Caspian seals. The park features romantic rolling sand dunes and crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife.
• Discover the Naftalan Oil Resort – This resort, located in the town of Naftalan, is famous for its Naftalan crude oil, which is believed to have healing properties. Visitors can bathe in the oil or enjoy a range of oil-based treatments.
• Explore Gobustan – Gobustan, often referred to as the Azerbaijani version of Stonehenge, is an archaeological reserve located south of Baku. It features over 6,000 rock drawings, evidence of human settlements, and ancient tombstones, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations.
• Admire the Caspian Sea – The Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world, offers a unique experience with its salty waters and ocean-like setting. Popular activities include boat cruises, diving, and fishing.
• Visit Shirvan National Park – This park, located south of Baku, spans over 54,000 hectares and is known for its semi-desert landscape, sand dunes, and diverse wildlife, including gazelles, turtles, flamingos, and jackals.
• Discover Sheki City – Sheki City, located west of Baku, is one of the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus region, dating back 2,500 years. It was a stop on the Silk Road and is famous for its silks, textiles, embroidery, castles, mosques, and the 18th-century Palace of Seki Khans.
• Witness the Yanardag flaming mountain – Yanardag, or "burning mountain," is known for its permanently burning hills due to underlying gas deposits. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle, especially at dusk, while sipping tea in the nearby quaint teashops.
• Stroll through Baku Seaside Park – This park stretches for 5 kilometres along the coastline and offers a variety of attractions, including old-fashioned tea shops, cafes, amusement arcades, and museums such as the Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan.
• Explore Ancient Architecture – Baku's Old City, or Icheri Sheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting amazing architectural feats, such as the 12th-century Maiden Tower and the 13th-century Shirvanshah Palace.
• Experience the Mud Volcanoes – Azerbaijan is known for its mud volcanoes, with over 350 of them across the country. One of the most famous is the Garasu Volcano, which has erupted mud over 1,000 metres into the air.

Frequently asked questions