Safety notice, last checked October 2026
The US State Department rates Azerbaijan Level 3, “Reconsider travel”, citing terrorism, armed conflict and landmines. It says not to travel to these regions because of landmines: Aghdam, Aghdara, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Khankendi, Khojali, Khojavend, Lachin, Shusha and Zangilan. It also warns of an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks linked to the Iran conflict.
The UK government advises against all travel within 5 km of the border with Armenia and against all but essential travel to parts of south-western Azerbaijan. It also warns that anyone who has visited areas such as Khankendi without permission from the Azerbaijani authorities could be denied entry. Read the US advisory and the UK travel advice before you apply.
Last checked: October 2026
Most visitors to Azerbaijan need a visa, and the usual route is the official ASAN Visa e-visa portal. The standard e-visa is single entry and allows a 30-day stay within a 90-day validity period. Apply at least three days before you travel, print the approval, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival.
Who Needs a Visa for Azerbaijan?
The UK government says you must have a visa to visit Azerbaijan. Your options depend on your passport.
- Citizens of e-visa countries: apply online. Recent Azerbaijani embassy pages list around 80 eligible countries, and the portal shows the current list at evisa.gov.az/en/countries.
- Citizens of other countries: apply through an Azerbaijani embassy or consulate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the required documents at mfa.gov.az.
- Holders of some travel documents: the Azerbaijani embassy in Canada says Canadian Travel Document holders can’t use the e-visa, and the UK government says UK Emergency Travel Documents can’t be used for it either. Apply at an embassy instead.
- Event visitors: the UK government notes simplified visa-on-arrival rules for the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, from 22 September to 5 November 2026, with an official invitation or accreditation. These arrangements are short-term.
If you’re unsure, contact the nearest Azerbaijani embassy. Rules differ by nationality, and they change.
How to Apply for the E-Visa
- Open the official site, evisa.gov.az. Embassy pages warn that it’s the only official site.
- Check that your nationality is on the eligible list.
- Fill in the form and pay the fee. Embassy pages list USD 20 for the standard service, issued within three working days, and a higher fee for a three-hour urgent service. Confirm the current fee on the portal.
- Print the e-visa and bring it with your passport. The UK government says you must show it on arrival.
Avoid third-party sites that charge extra and look official. Complaints about them aren’t handled by the embassies.
Passport Rules
According to the UK government, your passport must usually be valid for at least six months after you arrive, with at least two blank pages for stamps. Officials check that it will still be valid three months after the visa expires. Check this with your airline before you fly, because they can refuse boarding.
Borders and Entry Points
The UK government says you can only enter Azerbaijan without restrictions by air. Entry by land or sea is restricted, and the land borders with Iran and Georgia are temporarily closed. The border with Armenia remains closed, and the land border with Russia is closed. If you want to leave by road, you need permission from the authorities.
The Iran border at Astara is only open with special authorisation from the Azerbaijani government, according to the UK government, and can take several weeks to arrange. The US State Department also warns about the southern border region with Iran. Plan to arrive and leave by air.
Registration, SIM Cards and Extensions
- Registration: if you stay longer than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service. Hotels often do this for guests, but you must do it yourself in an apartment.
- SIM cards: if you use a local SIM for more than 30 days, you must register it at a post office and pay a fee.
- Extending your stay: apply to the State Migration Service at least three days before your permitted stay ends.
- Overstaying: the UK government says you may have to leave within 48 hours and pay a fine of 300 to 400 Azerbaijani manat.
Carry These at the Border
- Your passport, with the required validity and blank pages.
- A printed e-visa, or your embassy-issued visa.
- Proof of your hotel booking and onward flight.
- Travel insurance. The UK government warns that insurance may be invalid if you travel against its advice.
Customs and Local Rules
Azerbaijan has strict rules on what you can bring in and out. Declare anything that could be prohibited or taxed. You need an export certificate to take antiques or carpets out of the country, and the UK government says unregistered drones are not allowed for visitors without residency. Carry your passport, because police sometimes check identity documents.
Decision Guide
- Choose the e-visa if your nationality is on the portal’s list and you’ll stay up to 30 days.
- Choose an embassy application if your country isn’t on the list or you hold a non-standard travel document.
- Choose to wait and re-check if your route depends on a land border or on the regions named in the safety notice.
Common Mistakes
- Using a copycat e-visa website.
- Applying too late. Allow at least three days, and more if you have a complex case.
- Travelling with a passport valid for less than six months after arrival.
- Assuming you can cross by land from Georgia or Iran.
Quick Checklist
- Check your nationality on the official e-visa list.
- Apply only on evisa.gov.az, or through an embassy.
- Print your visa and carry your passport at all times.
- Re-read both government advisories close to departure.
Azerbaijan Visa FAQs
How long does the e-visa take?
The standard e-visa is issued within three working days, according to Azerbaijani embassy pages. An urgent three-hour service costs more. Apply early, since delays can happen.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Not as a general rule. Visa-on-arrival arrangements are limited to special cases, such as certain event visitors, so apply before you fly.
Is the e-visa valid for multiple entries?
It is normally single entry. Azerbaijani sources also describe longer-stay multiple-entry options, so ask the embassy if you need to enter more than once.
Do I need to register my stay?
Only if you stay longer than 15 days. Register with the State Migration Service online or in person. Hotels often do it for you.
Once your entry plans are sorted, see how to travel inside Azerbaijan by train, metro and taxi.