Entry Requirements and Visas
Azerbaijan can only be entered by air, as land borders with neighboring countries remain closed to civilian traffic as of January 2026. The primary international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, with additional airports in Nakhchivan City, Ganja, and Lankaran offering more limited international service.
Citizens of many countries can obtain an eVisa online before travel. The eVisa costs US$20 plus US$9 for administration fees and US$1 for credit card processing, is valid for 30 days within three months of application, and can be obtained at evisa.gov.az. You will need a photocopy of your passport and your accommodation address. Be cautious of the fake website evisa.com.az, which offers overpriced packages.
eVisa-eligible countries include:
- All EU member states plus Andorra, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Vatican City
- Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States, and Vietnam
Citizens of Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan do not require a visa for stays of 90 days or less.
Some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival by air: citizens of Bahrain, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey (60 days), and United Arab Emirates receive 30-day visas on arrival. US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, but only when arriving on a direct flight from New York City on Azerbaijan Airlines. Iranian citizens can obtain a 15-day visa on arrival for Nakhchivan only.
Citizens of all other countries must obtain a visa from an Azerbaijani embassy by mail or in person; a letter of invitation from someone in Azerbaijan is required.
Foreigners staying longer than 15 days must register with the State Migration Service within 15 working days of arrival. This registration is free and can be completed online or in person. Many hotels offer this service, but confirm registration has been completed, as hotels frequently neglect this requirement. Failure to register incurs a fine of 300 manat.
Important: Any evidence of visiting Nagorno-Karabakh without Azerbaijani permission will result in a permanent ban and potential arrest upon arrival.
Money, Currency, and Typical Costs
The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Practical travel costs in Azerbaijan are generally modest. Toilet facilities at bus stations charge 0.20 to 0.40 manat, giving a sense of how inexpensive basic services can be. Reliable taxi services in Baku charge 33 manat for airport transfers for up to three passengers.
When budgeting for accommodation and dining, expect to find reasonably priced options in the capital and other major cities, though exact prices vary seasonally and by location.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Azerbaijan is generally safe for tourists practicing common sense. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in Baku, particularly in poor areas and at night, but is rare. Watch your belongings on public transport and avoid poorly lit areas after dark.
Be cautious of individuals in police uniforms claiming to stop you on the street—criminals have impersonated officers to steal documents and money. If stopped, ask to see a badge or ID card, remain cooperative, and do not hand over documents without verification.
Dangerous Areas: Avoid travel to Nagorno-Karabakh, its surrounding areas, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border region. These areas contain unexploded ordnance and landmines, and offer little of tourist interest. Fighting took place in these areas as recently as September 2022.
General Safety: When traveling outside cities, do so during daylight hours unless taking a night train. Roads at night are hazardous due to potholes and poorly lit vehicles. Photography of military sites and strategic installations is illegal; ask permission if in doubt.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
- Police: 102
- Ambulance: 103
- Fire: 101
- Gas Emergency: 104
Emergency operators speak Azeri, Turkish, or Russian only. Memorize key phrases in one of these languages before arrival.
Corruption: Azerbaijan is ranked among the world's most corrupt countries. As a foreigner, you are in a strong position to refuse bribes ("hörmet"). Never pay bribes; locals are often embarrassed about corruption and may not press the issue.
LGBT Travelers: Although homosexuality was decriminalized in 2000, homophobia is widespread in Azerbaijani society. There are no legal protections for LGBT individuals, and same-sex marriages are formally banned. It is strongly recommended that LGBT travelers do not exhibit their sexuality in public, as this may invite harsh words or violence.
Health
Ensure your immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are current before travel.
Malaria is a risk in lowland areas of Azerbaijan, particularly near the Iranian border. Anti-malarial medications are not necessary for Baku itself, but the risk exists in rural areas outside the capital.
Do not drink tap water. Consume only sealed bottled water, or boiled beverages such as tea and coffee. Bottled soft drinks are also safe alternatives.
Staying Connected
The international dialing code for Azerbaijan is +994. Local mobile SIM cards are readily available and offer affordable rates for calls and data. Purchase a SIM card from a local provider upon arrival to stay connected. Internet access is available in most hotels, cafes, and urban areas.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Azerbaijanis are reserved, polite, and well-mannered. Respect and politeness are valued highly.
When Invited to a Home: Always bring a gift. Acceptable gifts include flowers (always an odd number, as even numbers are associated with funerals), chocolate, or something representative of your home country. The thought behind the gift matters more than its price. Do not bring wine or other alcoholic beverages.
Remove your shoes just outside or immediately inside the door unless explicitly invited to keep them on. Even then, removing them may be more polite. You may be offered slippers to wear.
Public Behavior: Respect elderly people by offering your seat on public transportation if you are younger. It is polite to allow women to board and exit first from buses, trams, and subways, and to let them enter and leave rooms first.
When greeting someone older or in a position of authority, bend slightly (not a complete bow) as a sign of respect. Young people always initiate greetings with their elders or those in authority.
If you do not know someone well, use their first name followed by an appropriate honorific.