No, Iranian citizens cannot obtain a visa upon arrival in Azerbaijan. Currently, Azerbaijan does not offer a visa-on-arrival program for Iranian citizens. This means that all Iranian nationals wishing to visit Azerbaijan must obtain a valid visa before traveling.
For Iranian citizens applying for an Azerbaijan e-visa, the total cost depends on the chosen processing speed tier and includes both the state fee and the service fee. Here's a breakdown:
Iranian citizens can apply for an Azerbaijan e-visa through the e-visa portal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Although Iranians are exempt from needing a visa to enter Iran, they still require an Azerbaijan e-visa to visit Azerbaijan. Here are the documents you'll need to apply:
Yes, Iranian citizens do need a visa to visit Azerbaijan. The e-visa is the fastest and easiest way for Iranian citizens to obtain a visa for Azerbaijan, as it allows them to submit their application and supporting documents online. Once approved, they will receive their e-visa confirmation electronically.
Yes, many people in Azerbaijan can speak Russian, although its prevalence varies depending on age, region, and social context. While Azerbaijani (Azeri) is the official language and the most widely spoken across the country, Russian still holds a significant position, especially in urban centers like Baku, Sumqayit, and Ganja.
This enduring presence of Russian stems from Azerbaijan’s history as part of the Soviet Union, where Russian was the primary language of administration, education, and interethnic communication. Today, Russian is commonly spoken by the older generation, academic circles, and those involved in international business or media.
In contrast, younger Azerbaijanis are increasingly shifting toward English as their second language, particularly in schools, universities, and the tourism sector. In major hotels, cafes, and tourist attractions, English is often sufficient, but knowing a few basic phrases in Azerbaijani or Russian can greatly enhance your experience.
Planning to visit Azerbaijan? Travelers from many countries can conveniently apply for an Azerbaijan e-Visa through the official Azerbaijan Immigration Service website. This fast and hassle-free process helps you obtain your visa electronically, allowing smooth entry and more time to explore the country’s rich culture, cuisine, and language diversity.
If one has the right budget and contraptions for comfort and safety, several alternatives will be available. The distance from Baku to Gabala is approximately 215 - 335 km by road, depending on one's mode of transportation. Depending on the mode of transportation, this trip takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes to over five hours.
1. By car or taxi - The most popular choice
Car travel is the most convenient means of transport to Gabala. You can hire a rental car or a secured taxi service.
For a private taxi ride, expect to pay from AZN 150 to 180 for the trip, which lasts approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Shared taxis cost around AZN15-20 per passenger. Self-driving rentals cost anywhere from AZN70 to 90 per day plus fuel. Roads are in good condition, and navigation can be easily carried out using Google Maps or Waze.
To summarize efficiency, the downside crossing from Shamakhi to Yevlakh (216 km; almost 3h and 50m) offers lunch and sightseeing in Shamakhi.
2. By train - Alternative mode of comfort
Every Saturday at 8 a.m., a train leaves Baku Railway Station towards Gabala, arriving around 11:20 a.m.
Ticket prices: AZN 14 for standard class and AZN 31 for business class.
Travel time: 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Children below five years travel free, while those aged five to ten are offered discounted prices.
3. By bus - A very cheap choice
Baku's International Bus Terminal offers buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) for the Gabriola.
Distance: 315 kilometers.
Time needed: About 4 hours (with a short stop for meals in Shamakhi).
Cost of a ticket: AZN 9.5.
Minibuses run hourly while coach buses have much fewer departures, so book online at least 10 days in advance.
4. Tour or guided trip
If you want to be more comfortable, you might book a guided tour in Gabala, where they would provide transportation and some sightseeing stops with an English-speaking guide. Costs are approximately AZN 100 per person.
Traveling suitably between Baku and Gabala allows for a smooth journey and allows for the viewing of the beautiful landscapes of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani cuisine is a rich and aromatic blend of Middle Eastern, Persian, Turkish, and Central Asian influences, offering a diverse and flavorful dining experience. Among its many delicious offerings, Plov (or Pilaf) stands out as the most popular and iconic dish in Azerbaijan. Often referred to as the national dish, Plov consists of saffron-infused rice layered with a variety of ingredients like meat (usually lamb or beef), dried fruits, chestnuts, and aromatic herbs and spices. Each region of Azerbaijan has its own unique variation of Plov, and it is traditionally served during both everyday meals and festive celebrations.
Other beloved Azerbaijani dishes include:
Dolma: Grape leaves filled with a savory mix of minced meat, rice, and herbs.
Kebab and Shashlik: Grilled skewers of lamb, chicken, or beef, often served with vegetables and lavash bread.
Dushbara: Small meat-filled dumplings served in a hearty broth, typically enjoyed in colder months.
Pakhlava (Azerbaijani Baklava): A layered pastry filled with ground nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, commonly prepared during holidays like Novruz.
If you're planning to taste these authentic dishes in their homeland, be sure to apply for an Azerbaijan e-visa before your trip. The Azerbaijan Immigration Service allows travelers from many countries to apply online for a stamp-free entry. This fast and user-friendly process helps you skip embassy visits and enjoy a hassle-free arrival—so you can focus on savoring the country’s vibrant cuisine and warm hospitality.
No, there is currently no Azerbaijani embassy in Mauritius. As of now, Azerbaijan does not have any official diplomatic representation in Mauritius. This means that Mauritian citizens seeking to apply for a visa or consular services for Azerbaijan will need to do so through the nearest Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in another country.
The closest Azerbaijani embassy to Mauritius is likely the one in Pretoria, South Africa. However, it's important to note that the embassy may not be able to handle all visa applications for Mauritian citizens, as they may have specific requirements or limitations.
Unfortunately, Mauritian citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Azerbaijan. Currently, Azerbaijan's visa-on-arrival program is only available to citizens of a limited number of countries, and Mauritius is not included on the list.
Therefore, Mauritian citizens wishing to visit Azerbaijan must apply for a visa in advance, either through the e-Visa portal of Azerbaijan Immigration Services (recommended for its convenience and speed) or via a traditional consular visa at the nearest Azerbaijani embassy or consulate.