Azerbaijan Visa on Arrival: Requirements, Fees & Guide

Going to Baku or any other sites in Azerbaijan? To have a trouble-free entry, it is important to figure out Azerbaijan Visa on Arrival. The alternative will give the traveler of the designated nations the opportunity to secure a visa upon arrival at the airport without prior application processing. Eligibility, requirements, process, fees, validity and important travel tips are explained in this guide so that you are well aware of what to expect before you take off on your flight.

Understand more about Azerbaijan visa on arrival

Is Azerbaijan visa on arrival?

Yes, Azerbaijan offers a visa-on-arrival option, but with significant limitations. It is available only to citizens of certain countries, and sometimes under specific conditions (for example, having a valid residence permit in a GCC country, or arriving under certain flight or airline rules). Not all travelers are eligible. Some cases may require prior arrangements or documentation, depending on nationality and circumstances.

Visa on arrival is also available in Baku, Heydar Aliyev International Airport, and is mainly intended to be used by businesspersons and visitors who have official invitations. In the past, Azerbaijan has occasionally offered simplified visa procedures for major international events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix. However, there is no official confirmation of any special visa-on-arrival scheme for upcoming events in 2025. Nevertheless, an e-visa system of Azerbaijan via the ASAN Visa portal is the most convenient and available entry mode to most international travelers.

Azerbaijan visa on arrival eligibility

Not all travelers qualify for an Azerbaijan visa on arrival; eligibility depends on nationality, entry route, and government regulations.

Countries eligible for visa on arrival Azerbaijan

Countries that are generally eligible for visa-on-arrival in Azerbaijan include: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, in some cases residents (with valid residence permits) of UAE or other GCC countries may qualify under special conditions. Eligibility rules and permitted stay duration may vary depending on nationality.

Nonetheless, to acquire the visa, one needs eligibility. In the past, some travelers applying for a visa on arrival under special conditions (e.g., official invitations or major events) were required to obtain a letter of permission from the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan. However, this requirement does not apply to the ASAN e-visa system, which is the main and most convenient option for eligible travelers today. Pre-approval is a process that is usually done in 5-10 working days and is done by verifying the purpose of travel, accommodation, and financial ability. In the absence of this vital document, even the citizens of qualified countries will not be allowed to enter the airport.

Who cannot get visa on arrival

Many nationalities are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Azerbaijan, and must apply for an e-visa or visa in advance. This includes most European countries, North America, Australia, and large parts of other regions. Rules can differ by country, so one should check their specific status.

The Azerbaijan e-visa is advised to travelers of countries that cannot obtain the visa and provide online services to 95 countries within 3 days of work. Moreover, any person with Armenian visa stamps or travelling history to Armenia can be restricted on entry, irrespective of his/her nationality and type of visa.

Countries that qualify for Azerbaijan visa on arrival

Azerbaijan visa on arrival requirements

To obtain an Azerbaijan visa on arrival, travelers must prepare the following documents:

• Passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond departure date and at least 2 blank pages.
• A pre-approval letter from the State Migration Service is not required for most travelers eligible for visa on arrival. Such letters may only be necessary for travelers visiting under special arrangements or official invitations.
• Travelers are generally expected to show proof of sufficient funds and travel arrangements, but specific financial thresholds or photo requirements are not formally listed by Azerbaijani authorities.
• Confirmed return or onward flight tickets.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or official invitation letter).
• Visa fee payment in cash, preferably in US dollars.

Additional documents (health certificates or travel insurance) may be required for some nationalities, depending on health regulations or bilateral agreements.

Azerbaijan visa on arrival process

Follow these steps to obtain your visa on arrival:

• Obtain the mandatory letter of consent from the State Migration Service (via travel agency, business sponsor, or Azerbaijan diplomatic mission).
• Travel to Azerbaijan with your complete document package.
• At Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku), locate the dedicated visa on arrival counter before passport control.
• Present all documents: passport, letter of consent, tickets, accommodation proof, photos, and financial evidence.
• Pay the visa fee in cash at the counter.
• Wait for processing (usually 15–30 minutes under normal conditions).
• Receive your stamped visa (single entry, valid up to 30 days).

Proceed through immigration and customs as usual.

How the Azerbaijan visa on arrival works

Azerbaijan visa on arrival fees

Visa on arrival remains available but only for citizens of a limited number of countries such as Bahrain, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and a few others. Most other travelers must obtain an e-visa in advance through the ASAN Visa portal. However, for the limited cases where special arrangements exist.

Historical visa on arrival fees:

• The standard visa-on-arrival fee is generally around USD 20, payable in cash at the airport. Fees may vary slightly depending on nationality.
• Nationals of Japan are exempt from visa fees
• There are no additional processing or service fees beyond the official government visa fee, unless using third-party assistance or travel agencies.

Payment requirements:

• Cash payment only (no credit cards)
• US dollars preferred currency
• Exact change recommended
• Receipts provided upon payment

Current alternative e-visa fees:

• Standard e-visa: $25 USD
• Urgent processing (3 hours): $61 USD
• Government processing fee: Included in total cost
• Online payment required during application
• Non-refundable regardless of approval status

Additional costs to consider:

• Travel insurance (mandatory for some nationalities)
• Registration fee if staying over 15 days
• Document translation services if needed

Azerbaijan duration and validity

Azerbaijan visa, whether e-visas or special on-arrival permits, has made the validity periods of the visa standardized in order to serve tourism and business purposes. Visas issued electronically have a 30-day maximum duration of stay that will be adequate to most of the tourist activities and minimal business trips.

For e-visas, validity starts from the date of entry specified in the application, not from the date of issue; for visa on arrival, validity starts from the date of entry and this provides travelers with freedom in planning their travelling plans. The most common is a single-entry visa, where the traveler has to seek a new visa in case they intend to exit Azerbaijan and re-enter the country, in the process of their journey. The passport validity should be not less than 3 months than the visa one, as it is necessary to guarantee that the documents will not run out during the time spent.

ravelers staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must register with the State Migration Service within 15 days of arrival, except for certain nationalities such as citizens of Kazakhstan who are allowed a longer registration period. The failure to register will attract fines to be paid prior to departure. The 30 days limit is strictly followed, the overstaying fines and even penalties of being barred to make subsequent visits. There are highly restricted options of extension that demand significant persuasion via the official avenues.

Azerbaijan visa duration and validity

Azerbaijan visa on arrival vs e-visa

Aspect	Visa on arrival	E-visa
Availability	Limited to specific countries under defined conditions	Available for 95 countries
Processing time	15-30 minutes at airport	Up to 3 days standard
Cost	$30 USD (historical)	$25 USD standard
Urgent processing	Not available	3 hours for $61 USD
Payment method	Cash only	Online payment required
Pre-approval	Letter of consent required	No pre-approval needed
Application location	Airport counter	Online portal
Document requirements	Physical documents at airport	Digital upload

The e-visa Azerbaijan system has already become the main way of issuing visas in Azerbaijan, much more convenient and reliable than the old visa on arrival system eliminated. E-visas can be completed in a maximum of 3 business days, therefore giving the assurance of traveling to the destination. The online application system is a 24/7 system and can be applied anywhere as long as one has an internet connection with him/her, whereas the visa on arrival services were only allowed during certain airport hours and usually delayed.

Important travel information for visa on arrival Azerbaijan

Visa-on-arrival remains available for certain nationalities under specific conditions. For most travelers, the e-visa (ASAN Visa) system is the most reliable and preferred method. Always verify via official sources before traveling.

Registration requirements:

• Mandatory registration for stays over 15 days
• Register with State Migration Service within 15 days
• Fines apply for non-registration before departure
• Hotels often provide registration services for guests

Entry restrictions:

• Armenian visa stamps may cause entry denial
• Previous travel to Armenia can result in questioning
• Some nationalities require medical insurance
• COVID-19 regulations may apply (check current status)COVID-19 regulations are no longer in effect, unless reintroduced by authorities

Financial requirements:

• You may carry up to $10,000 in cash without declaring it at departure
• Proof of sufficient funds may be requested
• Hotel bookings or invitation letters recommended
• Travel insurance increasingly required

Passport and document requirements:

• Passport valid at least 6 months after departure
• Minimum 2 blank visa pages required
• Biometric photos needed for applications
• Return flight tickets must be confirmed

Alternative visa options:

• E-visa through official ASAN portal for 95 countries
• Embassy visa for non-eligible nationalities
• Transit visa for airport connections over 24 hours

FAQs about Azerbaijan visa on arrival

What is the validity period (length of stay) allowed under Azerbaijan visa on arrival?

Azerbaijan visa on arrival allows a single-entry visit of up to 30 days maximum. However, this service requires a letter of consent from the State Migration Service and is extremely limited. Most travelers should use the e-visa system instead.

Is an Azerbaijan visa on arrival always guaranteed?

No, Azerbaijan visa on arrival is not guaranteed and is currently unavailable for most travelers. Only travelers holding a letter of consent from the State Migration Service may obtain a visa on arrival. Most visitors must use the e-visa system.

Are there restrictions based on route or airline when entering Azerbaijan?

Yes, there are restrictions. Visa on arrival is only available at designated entry points, primarily Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. Special visa on arrival services are available for Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix visitors between August 25 and September 30, 2025, at any international airport.

In conclusion

Azerbaijan's visa on arrival service is extremely limited and requires pre-approval, making it impractical for most travelers. Citizens of 95 countries can get e-visa through the ASAN Visa system, which offers better convenience and reliability. The e-visa remains the recommended option for visiting Azerbaijan.