Azerbaijan is a country where East meets West, where ancient history harmoniously blends with modern life. Tourists come here for the architecture of Baku, the Old City, the Flame Towers, and the picturesque Caspian coastline. To make your trip comfortable and hassle-free, it’s important to understand the visa rules in advance.
This guide provides a complete overview for travelers: who can enter visa-free, how to apply for an e-visa, when a traditional visa is needed, and key information about registration during your stay.
🌍 Visa-Free Entry
1. Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan — up to 90 days visa-free.
2. Turkey — up to 90 days visa-free.
3. Qatar, UAE, Serbia, Albania, Morocco — up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the bilateral agreement.
4. China — a new agreement comes into effect on July 16, 2025: citizens of the PRC with regular passports can enter without a visa for up to 30 days per visit, with a total of no more than 90 days within 180 days.
⚠️ Important: For work, study, or journalism purposes, a standard visa is required.
For long-term stays and registration at your place of residence, standard migration rules apply.
The visa-free regime makes travel easier: tourists can plan spontaneous trips without the need for advance document processing.
💻 E-Visa (ASAN Visa)
For citizens of most other countries, the ASAN Visa system is available:
1. Applications can be submitted online.
2. Processing time is up to 3 business days, with an express option (a few hours).
3. The visa allows stays of up to 30 days.
4. Payment is made online.
5. The approved visa is sent via email and should be printed for presentation at the border.
The e-visa is suitable for both tourist visits and short business trips or transit.
🛂 Traditional Visa
If your purpose of travel is work, study, internship, or long-term stay, you need to apply at an Azerbaijani consulate or embassy.
Requirements for a traditional visa:
> Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date.
> Completed visa application form with a photo.
> Invitation from an employer, educational institution, or official in Azerbaijan.
> Documents confirming the purpose of your visit: employment contract, study contract, or official letter.
> Payment of the consular fee (amount varies by visa type and country of application).
Types of traditional visas:
> Short-term (tourist/business): usually up to 30 days.
> Long-term: for work, study, or internship — validity can reach up to 1 year, with possible extension.
> Multiple-entry: allows several entries into the country within the specified period.
Key Points:
> A personal visit to the consulate may be required.
> An interview may be needed depending on the applicant’s country.
> After obtaining the visa, it’s crucial to comply with the stay duration and registration requirements to avoid fines or future entry issues.
ℹ️ Registration at Place of Residence
Important to know:
1. All foreigners staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must register at their place of residence.
For citizens of Kazakhstan, the period is 30 days.
2. For citizens of Kazakhstan, the period is 30 days.
3. Registration can be done online, via email (qeydiyyat@migration.gov.az), at the State Migration Service offices, or through ASAN Service centers.
4. If you change your address, registration must be updated within 5 working days.
5. Failure to register on time may result in fines.
Registration helps the government keep track of foreigners and provides legal protection for tourists during their stay.
🌟 Tips for Travelers
> Check your passport validity in advance: it should be at least 3 months beyond your planned departure.
> Plan your trip considering stay limits: even visa-free entry has maximum allowed days.
> The e-visa is ideal for short trips, but for long-term stays, apply for a traditional visa in advance.
> Chinese tourists from July 16, 2025, can enter visa-free, but must remember to register if staying longer than 15 days.
Entering Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly convenient thanks to its flexible visa system. The visa-free regime, e-visas, and new international agreements simplify travel for tourists and business travelers alike. Understanding the rules and preparing documents in advance ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip — from ancient fortresses to the Caspian Sea coastline.
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