Baku Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Azerbaijan's visa policy varies significantly by nationality. The country has expanded visa-free access and e-Visa availability in recent years to promote tourism and business travel.
Citizens of these countries can enter Azerbaijan without a visa for tourism or business purposes
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay. Some nationalities may receive visa-free entry stamps on arrival. Duration varies by country, so verify specific allowances for your nationality.
Citizens of over 90 countries can obtain an electronic visa online before travel
Cost: Approximately $20-100 USD depending on visa type (single/multiple entry) and processing speed. Payment accepted via credit/debit card.
E-Visa must be obtained before travel; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Keep printed copy of e-Visa with you throughout your stay.
Limited nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Visa on arrival is being phased out in favor of e-Visa system. It's strongly recommended to obtain e-Visa in advance to avoid potential complications or delays at the airport. Not available at land borders.
Some nationalities must apply for a traditional visa at an Azerbaijani embassy or consulate
Required for countries not eligible for visa-free entry or e-Visa. May require invitation letter from Azerbaijani sponsor or organization. Business visas typically require invitation from registered Azerbaijani company.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport or other entry points, travelers proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs. The process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary during peak hours.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Azerbaijan customs regulations are fairly standard but strictly enforced. Travelers should be aware of duty-free allowances and prohibited items to ensure smooth entry. All items must be for personal use, and commercial quantities will be subject to duties and taxes.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
- Weapons and ammunition - including replicas, without proper permits and authorization
- Pornographic materials - printed, digital, or video format
- Materials deemed anti-Azerbaijan or promoting religious extremism
- Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, etc.
- Endangered species products - ivory, certain animal skins, protected plants
- Items from or related to Armenia - due to ongoing conflict, items showing Armenian origin may be confiscated
- Drones and radio-controlled devices - require special permission from authorities
- Certain fruits, vegetables, and plant materials - to prevent agricultural pests
Restricted Items
- Medications - bring prescription and doctor's letter for controlled substances. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay. Some medications legal elsewhere may be restricted.
- Professional camera/video equipment - may require temporary import permit and deposit. Clearly for professional use may need journalist accreditation.
- Antiques and cultural artifacts - export requires special permission from Ministry of Culture. Items over 50 years old generally prohibited from export.
- Precious metals and stones - large quantities require declaration and may need permits.
- Satellite phones and certain communication equipment - may require registration with authorities.
- Religious materials in large quantities - small amounts for personal use acceptable, but proselytizing materials may be restricted.
Health Requirements
Azerbaijan does not currently require specific vaccinations for most international travelers, though recommendations exist based on travel history and planned activities.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - required only if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America. Certificate must be presented at immigration.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date on MMR, DPT, polio, and seasonal influenza
- Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to possible food/water contamination
- Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids
- Typhoid - recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas
- Rabies - consider if planning extensive outdoor activities or working with animals
- COVID-19 - stay current with recommended doses per your home country guidelines
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry. Medical facilities in Baku are adequate for routine care, but serious conditions may require medical evacuation. Ensure your insurance covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Some e-Visa applications encourage but don't require insurance documentation. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (cannot be included in parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s) authorizing travel, including travel dates and destinations. Letter should be in English or Azerbaijani with contact information of absent parent(s). If child has different surname from accompanying parent, bring birth certificate as proof of relationship. Single parents should carry custody documents if applicable. Children are subject to same visa requirements as adults.
Pets require valid health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, showing animal is healthy and fit to fly. Rabies vaccination certificate required (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry). Microchip implantation recommended for identification. Import permit may be required for certain animals - check with State Veterinary Service in advance. Maximum 2 pets per passenger. Certain breeds may be restricted. Pets must enter through Heydar Aliyev International Airport with advance airline notification. Quarantine generally not required if documentation is complete, but authorities reserve right to quarantine if health concerns arise.
Tourist visas typically allow 30-day stays. For longer stays, apply for appropriate visa type (business, student, work) before arrival. Visa extensions possible through State Migration Service but not guaranteed - apply at least 5 days before current visa expires. All foreigners staying over 15 days must register with State Migration Service within 15 days of arrival (hotels do this automatically for guests). For stays over 90 days, temporary residence permit required. Overstaying visa results in fines, deportation, and potential entry bans. Business or work visas require invitation from registered Azerbaijani entity. Student visas require acceptance letter from recognized educational institution.
Azerbaijan does not recognize dual nationality. If you hold Azerbaijani citizenship plus another nationality, you must enter and exit using Azerbaijani passport. Former Azerbaijani citizens who renounced citizenship should carry documentation proving renunciation to avoid complications. Those with Azerbaijani heritage may face additional scrutiny regarding citizenship status. If born in Azerbaijan or to Azerbaijani parents, be prepared to answer questions about citizenship status and bring documentation.
Professional journalists and film crews require special accreditation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs before arrival. Apply through Azerbaijani embassy in your country at least 2-3 weeks before travel. Provide letter from media organization, assignment details, and itinerary. Professional camera equipment may be inspected and registered at customs. Filming in certain areas (government buildings, military installations, border regions) prohibited without permission. Tourist visa holders should not engage in journalistic activities.
Business visitors can enter on tourist visa/e-Visa for short business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations) but cannot engage in paid work. For longer business stays or employment, business visa required with invitation letter from registered Azerbaijani company. Invitation must be registered with State Migration Service. Business visa allows multiple entries and stays up to 90 days. Bring business cards, meeting confirmations, and invitation letter to show immigration if questioned about purpose of visit.
Travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories is highly sensitive. Following 2020 and 2023 conflicts, the situation has changed significantly. Any previous travel to these regions without Azerbaijani government permission, or entry via Armenia, may result in entry denial and potential legal consequences. Do not discuss previous unauthorized visits to these areas with immigration. Check current situation and restrictions before planning any travel to these regions. If you have Armenian stamps in passport from visiting Nagorno-Karabakh, consider obtaining new passport before traveling to Azerbaijan.