Visa On Arrival: Azerbaijan's Offer To Uae Residents

Azerbaijan, or the 'Land of Fire', is a popular travel destination for UAE residents. It offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, including the Fire Temple, the old city of Sheki, and the mud volcanoes in Gobustan National Park. UAE residents can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Azerbaijan, which is valid for 30 days. The main requirements are a passport, a valid visa or residence permit, proof of hotel and flight reservations, and two passport-sized photographs. The cost of the visa is USD 26 (AED 95-96). However, residents with a UAE residency visa validity of less than 6 months must apply for an e-visa in advance.

Visa-free entry for UAE nationals

UAE citizens can enter Azerbaijan without a visa and are allowed to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day validity period. This visa-free privilege enhances travel convenience and highlights the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The benefits of visa-free travel for UAE citizens include:

• Streamlined travel process: The elimination of visa application procedures simplifies the entry process and saves time.
• Cost savings: There are no visa processing fees, resulting in financial savings.
• Increased flexibility: Visa-free travel supports spontaneous travel decisions and allows for multiple entries within the allowed period.

Despite the visa-free status, UAE citizens must still meet specific entry requirements when visiting Azerbaijan. These include:

• Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date and have at least two blank pages.
• Travel duration: The visa-free stay is permitted for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Purpose of visit: Visa-free entry is typically allowed for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

It is important to note that the visa-free policy only applies to UAE citizens. UAE residents who are not citizens may still need to obtain a visa before travelling to Azerbaijan. However, they can do so while in the UAE and do not need to travel to their countries of origin.

Visa on arrival for UAE residents

UAE residents can obtain a visa on arrival when travelling from the UAE to Azerbaijan. This is a recent development, allowing UAE residents to fly into Azerbaijan and obtain a visa at the point of entry. This is particularly useful for those who cannot travel back to their home country to apply for a visa or cannot apply for an online e-visa.

Visa options

The visa on arrival is valid for 120 days and allows the holder to stay in Azerbaijan for up to 15 days. Those who wish to extend their stay must apply for an extension at the State Migration Service. The cost of the visa on arrival is USD 26, which is approximately AED 95-96.

The Azeri government also offers an e-visa or electronic visa, which is obtained online. The e-visa is a single-entry visa, valid for 90 days, and allows the holder to stay for up to 30 days. The cost of the e-visa is USD 25, or approximately AED 92.

Visa requirements

To obtain a visa on arrival, UAE residents must present the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the e-visa
• A copy of their UAE residential visa
• Proof of hotel and flight reservations
• Two passport-sized coloured photos with a white background, taken within the last 6 months

COVID-19 protocols

As of October 2024, travellers to Azerbaijan must:

• Be fully vaccinated, with the last vaccination received at least 2 weeks before the intended travel date
• Have a verifiable (with QR code) vaccination certificate
• Provide a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before travel

Azerbaijan as a travel destination

Azerbaijan, or the Land of Fire, is a former Soviet state located between Europe and Asia. It offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for anyone interested in architecture, history, nature, food, and exploration.

E-visa for UAE residents

UAE residents who are not citizens of the UAE don't need to travel to their home country to apply for an Azeri visa. They can apply for an e-visa or a visa on arrival. Here's what you need to know about the e-visa process.

Azerbaijan E-visa Requirements

UAE residents who hold passports from other countries can apply for an e-visa if they are citizens of the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkmenistan, UK, USA, UAE, and Vietnam.

Application Process

The Azerbaijan e-visa application must be submitted at least three days before the expected arrival date. To apply, visit the official e-visa portal at https://evisa.gov.az/en/ and:

• Fill out the online application form with personal and travel information.
• Upload a scanned copy of your UAE residence permit and passport photo page.
• Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
• Once approved, you will receive your e-visa via email.

Important Information

• The Azerbaijan e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
• The cost is USD 25 (AED 92), and urgent applications cost USD 60 (AED 220). The visa fee is non-refundable.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the expiry date of your e-visa and has at least two blank pages.
• Print a copy of your e-visa to carry with you when travelling to Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan visa cost

Since 26 July 2018, UAE residents with a valid residence visa have been able to obtain a tourist visa to Azerbaijan on arrival at the country's airports. This visa is valid for one month. However, those with a UAE residency visa validity of less than six months are recommended to apply to the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan for visa issuance.

The Azerbaijan e-visa can be obtained online by filling out a visa application form and attaching the relevant documents. A visa fee must be paid before the form can be submitted. The visa fee is subject to change, so it is recommended to check the current fee before initiating payment. The e-visa is a single-entry visa valid for 90 days and allows the holder to stay for up to 30 days.

The cost of the Azerbaijan e-visa includes a mandatory government fee, which covers the visa issuance cost set by the Azerbaijani government, and a service fee, which covers the handling and processing of the visa application. The service fee includes document verification, application assistance, error correction, and expert review.

The standard fee for a single-entry e-visa is typically around $25, excluding service fees. However, the total cost of the e-visa depends on the processing time selected. The faster the processing time, the higher the service fee. For example, the standard processing time has no additional cost, while the rush processing time costs $59 USD, and the super rush processing time costs $99 USD.

Azerbaijan visa duration

As a UAE resident, you can obtain a tourist visa to Azerbaijan that is valid for one month upon arrival at the country's airports. This is available to those with a valid UAE residency visa. However, if you wish to stay longer than 15 days, you must register at the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The e-visa or electronic visa is another option for UAE residents. This is obtained online after filling out a visa application form and submitting the required documents. The Azeri immigration authorities then take around 3-4 days to review the application. The e-visa is a single-entry visa that is valid for 90 days and allows the holder to stay for up to 30 days.

The visa on arrival is another option for UAE residents. This visa is valid for 120 days and allows the holder to stay in Azerbaijan for up to 15 days. Those who wish to extend their stay beyond 15 days must apply for an extension at the State Migration Service.

It is important to note that overstaying your visa will result in fines, and it is considered an offence under Azerbaijani law. To extend your stay, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

Frequently asked questions