For travellers wishing to visit Azerbaijan, the eVisa is now a practical and fast option for obtaining the necessary travel authorisation. It is important to be aware of the conditions and procedures involved in obtaining this eVisa, especially if you hold an African passport. In this article, we will provide you with useful information about obtaining your eVisa for Azerbaijan with an African passport.
Basic conditions to qualify for an eVisa
To be eligible for an eVisa for Azerbaijan, certain conditions must be met:
- Your country must be on the list of eligible countries (see home page).
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of your eVisa.
- You must have a return or onward ticket to prove that you will not be staying in the country indefinitely.
- You must also have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Azerbaijan.
Please note that if you hold a diplomatic or official passport, you may have to follow a different procedure to apply for a visa from the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate.
Applying for an eVisa with an African passport
If you meet the above conditions and your country is on the list of eligible countries, you can apply for an eVisa. The steps are fairly straightforward and can be completed online:
- Visit the official Azerbaijani government website dedicated to eVisa or via a specialised agency.
- Fill in the form with your personal details and those of your passport.
- Attach a scanned copy of the identification page of your valid passport.
- Pay the eVisa application fee (USD 20 + service charge) by credit card.
- Expect an email response within up to one working day of submitting your request. Your eVisa will be sent to you as a PDF file.
Additional information for holders of African passports
For some African countries, restrictions or additional requirements may be imposed when applying for an eVisa. These may include
- The requirement to provide additional documents, such as a letter of invitation, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation or proof of medical insurance.
- The need to go in person to the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in your country to obtain a traditional visa, if your nationality is not eligible for eVisa.
Using an eVisa when arriving in Azerbaijan
Once you have received your eVisa by email, we recommend that you print it out and keep it with you when you travel. When you arrive in Azerbaijan, present your passport and eVisa to the immigration authorities. They will check the validity of your document and grant you permission to enter the country.
Length of stay and validity of the eVisa
The eVisa for Azerbaijan allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. The validity of the eVisa starts from the date of entry indicated on the application form, not from the date of issue. It is therefore essential to plan your trip accordingly and not to exceed the authorised duration.
If you wish to extend your stay, you will need to contact the local authorities to obtain an extension visa.