You are planning to travel to Azerbaijan for business, tourism or to visit relatives, and you are wondering whether your Schengen visa is sufficient to enter the country.
The short answer is no: a Schengen visa does not allow you to enter Azerbaijan, even for a short stay. This article explains why and how to get the right visa for your trip.
Schengen visas are not valid in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, located between Russia and Iran, is not a member of the Schengen area. The Schengen area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished border controls and adopted a common visa policy for international travellers. Holders of a Schengen visa can travel freely between these countries without needing a national visa for each destination.
However, Azerbaijan, like other non-Schengen countries, does not automatically grant holders of a Schengen visa the right to enter its territory. You must therefore obtain a specific visa for Azerbaijan before travelling there.
Obtaining a visa for Azerbaijan
To enter Azerbaijan, you need to obtain an appropriate visa, depending on the length and purpose of your stay. There are two main types of visa: the electronic visa (ASAN Visa) for short stays and the single-entry or multiple-entry visa for long stays.
1. ASAN Viza: for a short stay
The ASAN Viza is an electronic visa issued by the Azerbaijani government to nationals of over 90 countries for business, tourist or family trips of up to 30 days. This type of visa offers several advantages:
- Applications can be made online, without having to go to the embassy or consulate;
- Processing is rapid: the response is generally given within a few days of the request being submitted;
- The cost is relatively low: around USD 25 in consular fees (excluding service charges), payable online by credit card.
To obtain an ASAN Viza, you must complete the online form, upload a digital copy of your passport and pay the fee. Once approved, your electronic travel authorisation will be sent to you by e-mail. Simply print it out and present it with your passport when you arrive in Azerbaijan.
2. Single or multiple-entry visa: for long stays
If you intend to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days, or if you wish to make several trips to the country, you will need to obtain a single-entry or multiple-entry visa from the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The conditions and documents required vary according to the type of visa (business, study, work, etc.) and the length of stay.
It is important to note that you must present a letter of invitation or a document justifying the purpose of your visit to Azerbaijan in order to obtain a single or multiple-entry visa.. It may take longer to obtain this type of visa than the ASAN Visa, so it is advisable to apply in advance.
Visa exemption for certain travellers
Certain categories of travelers are exempt from visa requirements to enter Azerbaijan:
- Nationals of member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) can stay in Azerbaijan without a visa for a period of up to 90 days;
- Holders of diplomatic passports or service passports from certain countries are also exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays;
- Passengers in transit through Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport, who do not leave the airport's international zone and continue their journey to another destination, do not need an Azerbaijani visa.
To check whether you are eligible for a visa exemption or whether you need a visa to travel to Azerbaijan, consult the website of the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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