Do you dream of exploring Azerbaijan, the country located at the crossroads of civilisations between Europe and Asia? Before you can enjoy the wonders this territory has to offer, you'll need to obtain a visa to enter Azerbaijan. Read how to apply for a visa, what the different categories of visas available are and what documents to provide to obtain your document.
The e-visa for Azerbaijan
To make things easier for travellers, Azerbaijan introduced the e-visa in 2017. This system allows you to apply for a visa online and receive your document in electronic format. The e-visa is only available for tourist visas with a period of up to 30 days.
How do I apply for an e-visa?
To obtain your e-visa, simply fill in an online form on the official Azerbaijani government website. You will need to provide the following information:
- Your personal details (surname, first name, date of birth, etc.)
- Details of your passport (number, date of issue and expiry)
- Your expected date of arrival in Azerbaijan
- A valid e-mail address to receive your e-visa
Once you have submitted the form, you must pay the application fee online (USD 25 consular fee). Once your application has been processed and accepted, you will receive your e-visa by e-mail within a few working days.
What are the advantages of e-visa?
The e-visa offers several advantages for travellers:
- Speed : the procedure is generally quicker than the traditional visa application.
- Simplicity : All procedures can be completed online, without having to go to the embassy or consulate.
- Flexibility : You can apply for an e-visa at any time from anywhere with an internet connection.
The traditional visa for Azerbaijan
If you do not wish to obtain an e-visa or if the type of visa you require is not available in electronic form, you will need to apply for a traditional visa from the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Documents required for a visa application
Here are the documents generally required for a visa application:
- A valid passport (with an expiry date of at least 6 months after the planned end of your stay in Azerbaijan)
- A recent passport photo
- A duly completed and signed visa application form
- Proof of the reason for the stay (hotel reservation, invitation from a local company, etc.).
- Payment of application fees
Please note that the documents required may vary depending on the type of visa requested and the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate.
Time required to obtain a traditional visa and its validity
The time taken to obtain a traditional visa for Azerbaijan varies depending on the type of visa and the country in which you are applying. It generally takes between a week and a month. We therefore recommend that you leave enough time before your departure to complete all the necessary formalities.
The validity of the visa also depends on the type of visa obtained. Tourist and business visas are generally valid for a maximum of 30 days, while student and transit visas are valid for different periods.