Travel To Azerbaijan: Visa-Free Entry For Select Countries

Azerbaijan is a country located between Europe and Asia, attracting travellers with its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. The country's visa policy is implemented in accordance with the mobility rights arrangements within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), of which Azerbaijan is a member. Citizens of CIS member countries do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. This includes Armenia and Turkmenistan. Additionally, holders of residence permits in certain countries, such as the US, UK, and Schengen Area countries, can enter Azerbaijan without a visa. Passengers in transit through Azerbaijan are also exempt from visa requirements if they do not leave the airport's international transit zone and their stopover does not exceed 72 hours. Azerbaijan also offers temporary visa exemptions for participants and spectators at international sporting and cultural events. For all other nationalities, it is necessary to obtain an e-visa or a regular visa before entering the country.

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries

Azerbaijan is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an organisation comprising several countries of the former Soviet Union. Citizens of CIS member countries can travel to Azerbaijan without a visa. The CIS member countries whose citizens can enter Azerbaijan visa-free are:

• Armenia (out of conflict)
• Belarus
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

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

Holders of residence permits in certain countries

If you are a holder of a valid residence permit issued by a member country of the Schengen Area, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you can enter Azerbaijan without a visa. However, to benefit from this exemption, you must also have a confirmed return ticket and be in possession of medical insurance covering the entire duration of your stay.

Azerbaijan's visa policy is implemented in accordance with the mobility rights arrangements within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Citizens of CIS member countries can travel to Azerbaijan without a visa. These countries include:

• 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, typically around 90 days.

Additionally, citizens of the following countries can enter Azerbaijan without a visa:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• United Arab Emirates

Passengers in transit

If you are a passenger in transit through Azerbaijan, you do not need a visa, provided you do not leave the airport's international transit zone and your stopover does not exceed 72 hours. However, it is worth checking with your airline whether they allow visa-free travellers to transit through Azerbaijan, as some airlines may require a transit visa even for a short stay.

Azerbaijan also offers an online visa system called "ASAN", which eliminates lengthy visa processes for more than 90 nationalities around the world. Nationals from over 90 countries, including Australia, Canada, the USA, the United Kingdom, and more, need to apply for an Azerbaijan e-Visa before entering the country. This electronic visa is valid for a tourist, business or medical stay of up to 30 days.

Citizens of the following countries can enter Azerbaijan without a visa:

• Republic of Kazakhstan
• Republic of Uzbekistan
• Republic of Tajikistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• United Arab Emirates
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Additionally, individuals with a residence permit from Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Kuwait, along with an accompanying person from the country that issued the permit, can obtain a visa on arrival that is valid for 30 days in Azerbaijan.

Temporary visa exemptions for sports and cultural events

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 to the event in question. It is important to check the relevant event website for detailed information on visa-free entry requirements.

The Azerbaijan eVisa, or ASAN Visa, is available for those travelling for the purpose of participating in sports and cultural events. This visa also covers tourism, business visits, short-term education, and medical reasons, and is valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. The application process is straightforward, but it is recommended that you apply well in advance to avoid any potential issues.

The Azerbaijan Cultural, Sports or Conference Visit Visa is another option for those looking to attend a cultural event or activity in the country. This visa requires an invitation from the receiving association, as well as confirmation documents from the sending association.

The Azerbaijan Short-Term Education or Internship Visa is also an option for those participating in sports or cultural events. This visa is designed for international students who wish to study in Azerbaijan for university projects or special occasions for less than three months. Applicants must provide documents demonstrating sufficient means of subsistence, proof of accommodation, and an admission letter from the receiving institution.

Countries with visa-on-arrival for Azerbaijani citizens

Azerbaijani citizens can enter a large number of countries with a visa on arrival. These include:

• China
• Bahrain
• Macau
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Kuwait
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates

Some countries have additional conditions for visa on arrival. Citizens of Turkey can stay a maximum of 60 days, Iranian citizens can stay for 15 days, and US citizens can stay for 30 days but must arrive on a direct flight from Azerbaijan Airlines from New York City.

There are 14 countries in total that are eligible for a visa on arrival, and the validity of the visa is typically 30 days with a single entry allowed. However, it is important to note that the requirements and duration of stay may vary depending on the country.

Frequently asked questions