Azerbaijan travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Azerbaijan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Azerbaijan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK.

Entering Azerbaijan across the Land Border from Iran

The border between Azerbaijan and Iran is closed. But British nationals might be able to cross at the Astara border crossing with special authorisation from the Government of Azerbaijan, which must be facilitated by the British Embassy in Baku. British nationals seeking entry into Azerbaijan should contact the FCDO before travelling to the border crossing at Astara, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative. Other border crossings to Azerbaijan remain closed.

British nationals will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, passport information). The British Embassy will provide confirmation and a code from the Azerbaijani authorities. This will take approximately 48 hours. You will need to show the code before crossing. You will also need to apply for a visa through the normal process. See ‘applying for a visa’.

If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk. In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.

Read more FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Azerbaijan as a visitor, your passport must usually have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. See ‘visa requirements’ for more details.

To enter Azerbaijan as a resident, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the expiry date of your temporary or permanent residence permit.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Azerbaijani dual nationals

Azerbaijan does not recognise dual nationality, but does not prohibit Azerbaijani nationals from holding dual nationality. You must inform the local Azerbaijani Embassy or State Migration Service within one month of taking up another nationality. If you do not, this can impact the level of consular support FCDO will be able to provide.

If you’re a British passport holder with links to Azerbaijan, through birth or otherwise, and need to check your nationality status, contact the State Migration Service before you travel.

Checks at border control

Anyone who has previously visited certain areas in south-western Azerbaijan, including the town of Khankendi, without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities could be denied entry to Azerbaijan. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan before you travel. See Regional Risks.

Entry via land or sea borders

You can only enter Azerbaijan via air travel without restrictions. Entry via a land or sea border is restricted. Once in Azerbaijan you can exit via air or sea routes. If you want to leave Azerbaijan by road, you need permission from the authorities.

Entering with a vehicle

To enter Azerbaijan with a vehicle, you need to arrange for the vehicle to be shipped to Baku, where you have to arrange for collection at Customs. You need to provide Power of Attorney and pay fees as required.

Borders with Iran and Georgia

The land borders between Iran and Azerbaijan, and Georgia and Azerbaijan are temporarily closed.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Azerbaijan.

Applying for a visa

If you are travelling in connection with the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, you will be able to obtain a visa on arrival at any international airport in Azerbaijan between 25 August and 30 September 2026. For more information, including the requirements to be able to use this service, visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in London.

If you are travelling for another reason, you can apply and pay for a visa from the ASAN Visa (e-visa) service. Apply at least 3 days in advance. An urgent 3-hour service is available for an additional fee.

E-visas are normally single entry and allow a 30-day visit within a 90-day period of validity. You must print out the e-visa and bring it with your passport to show on arrival. Officials will check that your passport is valid for 3 months after the visa expiry date. This means your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Azerbaijan.

For other types of visas, such as a business visa or a work permit, contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK at least one month before your travel date.

Extending your visa

You can extend your 30 days by applying to the State Migration Service at least 3 days before the end of the permitted stay.

If you overstay your visa without permission, you may have to leave the country within 48 hours. Contact the State Migration Service as soon as possible. They can issue a letter giving you permission to leave. You will have to pay a fine of 300 to 400 Azerbaijani manat. Make sure you get a receipt as proof of payment.

If you are in Azerbaijan, you can also call the Migration Information Centre on 919.

Registering with the authorities

If you’re staying in Azerbaijan for longer than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service online or in person. If you do not register you will have to pay a fine to the State Migration Service before you are able to leave the country. Hotels often provide this service for their guests, but you must do it yourself if you are staying in an apartment or private residence.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Azerbaijan guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Azerbaijan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Follow advice from your airline about items you should declare.

If you plan to use a local SIM card for more than 30 days, you must register it and pay a fee at a local post office. If you do not declare your device or register your sim card, it may not work on local networks and your device could be locked. You will need to give the IMEI number of your mobile, which you can find in settings, or by dialling *#06#.

Exporting carpets and antiques

You need an export certificate to take antiques or art like carpets, samovars, copperware or paintings out of Azerbaijan. Your vendor will give you a certificate, or they are available from the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

Land border closures

Due to the extension of COVID-19 border measures since 2020, all land border crossings are closed, except for freight.

Canadian passport holders can only enter Azerbaijan by air, but may leave through land borders without seeking prior authorization.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Azerbaijan and have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. As a resident, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of your temporary or permanent residence permit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Canadians must have a visa to visit Azerbaijan.

Tourist visa: required

Business visa: required

Student visa: required

Transit visa: required

If you plan to visit Azerbaijan, you must obtain a visa before arriving in the country. Canadian passport holders may apply for a tourist e-visa through Azerbaijan’s online visa portal and should do so at least 3 working days before their arrival in Azerbaijan.

E-visas are single-entry and are valid for 30 days. If you require any other type of visa, you must apply for it at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan prior to departure.

To obtain any type of visa, you must present a letter of invitation from a contact in Azerbaijan, such as an employer or educational institution. If you don’t have a contact there, the invitation letter should be submitted by your travel agency in Azerbaijan.

If you do not comply with visa or permit requirements, you may be fined, deported and barred from re-entering Azerbaijan.

Official electronic visa portal – Republic of Azerbaijan

Registration

If you intend to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service within 15 calendar days of arrival. Ensure that your passport bears an entry stamp.

Failure to register could result in a fine. You may be prevented from leaving Azerbaijan until the fine is paid.

If you intend to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days, you must obtain a temporary residence card or apply to extend your visa.

Registration – State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Districts in the western part of Azerbaijan

You may need to obtain prior authorization from the Azerbaijani authorities to enter and/or exit certain districts in the western part Azerbaijan. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan before you travel.

Persons with disabilities

Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure.

Travelling with disabilities

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).