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Azerbaijan Transit Visa Guide

Complete information about transit visas for Azerbaijan, including visa-free transit options and requirements for connecting passengers.

Airport transit area with passengers waiting for connecting flights

Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku serves as a major transit hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

What is an Azerbaijan Transit Visa?

An Azerbaijan transit visa is a short-term travel document that allows foreign nationals to pass through Azerbaijan while traveling to their final destination. This visa is designed for passengers who need to change flights at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku or travel through Azerbaijan by land to reach another country.

Strategic Location: Azerbaijan's position between Europe and Asia makes Baku airport a popular transit hub for international travelers.

Transit Options for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan offers several transit options depending on your nationality, transit duration, and travel circumstances:

Visa-Free Transit
Eligibility:
  • Transit time under 24 hours
  • Remain in international area
  • Valid onward ticket
  • Documents for final destination
Benefits:
  • Cost: Free
  • Processing: None required
  • Duration: Up to 24 hours
  • Area: International transit zone
Most Common: This option covers the majority of transit passengers.
Transit Visa Required
When Required:
  • Transit over 24 hours
  • Leaving airport premises
  • No direct connection
  • Overnight stay needed
Details:
  • Cost: $20 USD (e-Visa) or €20 EUR (embassy)
  • Processing: 3 working days (e-Visa)
  • Duration: Up to 72 hours
  • Area: Can leave airport
Note: Required for extended layovers or city visits.

Visa-Free Transit Requirements

Most international passengers can transit through Azerbaijan without a visa under specific conditions:

Visa-Free Transit Conditions

Essential Requirements
  • Transit Duration: Maximum 24 hours
  • Stay in Airport: Remain in international transit area
  • Valid Passport: At least 6 months validity
  • Onward Ticket: Confirmed booking to final destination
  • Final Destination Visa: If required for your destination
  • No Immigration: Do not pass through passport control
Eligible Passengers
  • All Nationalities: Generally applies to all countries
  • Connecting Flights: Same-day or next-day connections
  • International Flights: Both arrival and departure must be international
  • Transit Passengers: Not entering Azerbaijan as final destination
Transit Area Facilities
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Rest areas and lounges
  • Free WiFi
  • Prayer rooms
  • Children's play areas

When You Need a Transit Visa

A transit visa is required in specific circumstances where visa-free transit doesn't apply:

When Transit Visa is Required:
  • Long Layovers: Connection time exceeds 24 hours
  • Overnight Stays: Need to stay overnight in Baku
  • No Same-Day Connection: Next flight is on a different day
  • Flight Delays: Unexpected delays extending beyond 24 hours
Transit Visa Options:
e-Visa Transit
  • Processing: 3 working days
  • Cost: $20 USD
  • Validity: 72 hours
  • Application: Online via ASAN portal
Embassy Transit Visa
  • Processing: 5-10 calendar days
  • Cost: €20 EUR
  • Validity: Up to 72 hours
  • Application: Through embassy

Reasons for Leaving Airport:
  • Hotel Stay: Overnight accommodation in the city
  • City Tour: Brief sightseeing during layover
  • Meeting Friends/Family: Visiting contacts in Baku
  • Business Meetings: Quick business appointments
  • Medical Needs: Medical attention outside airport
Transit Visa Requirements:
  • Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity
  • Onward Ticket: Confirmed departure from Azerbaijan
  • Transit Purpose: Clear evidence of transit intention
  • Accommodation: Hotel booking if staying overnight
  • Sufficient Funds: Money for expenses during transit

Land Transit Scenarios:
  • Road Travel: Driving through Azerbaijan to neighboring countries
  • Bus Transit: International bus routes passing through Azerbaijan
  • Train Transit: Railway connections through Azerbaijan
  • Border Crossing: Entering from one border and exiting from another
Land Transit Requirements:
  • Transit Visa: Always required for land transit
  • Entry/Exit Points: Must use designated border crossings
  • Route Declaration: Specify intended route through Azerbaijan
  • Time Limit: Maximum 72 hours for transit
  • Vehicle Documents: Valid registration and insurance (if driving)
Note: Land transit always requires a visa, regardless of nationality or duration.

Transit Visa Application Process

If you need a transit visa, here's how to apply:

e-Visa Transit Application
Application Steps:
  1. Visit ASAN e-Visa portal
  2. Select "Transit" as visa purpose
  3. Fill out application form
  4. Upload required documents
  5. Pay visa fee ($20 USD)
  6. Submit application
  7. Receive e-Visa via email
Required Documents:
  • Passport scan (bio-data page)
  • Passport photo
  • Onward flight ticket
  • Visa for final destination (if required)
Embassy Transit Application
Application Steps:
  1. Contact Azerbaijan embassy
  2. Schedule appointment
  3. Complete visa application form
  4. Submit documents in person
  5. Pay visa fee (€20 EUR)
  6. Wait for processing
  7. Collect visa from embassy
Required Documents:
  • Original passport + copy
  • 2 passport photos
  • Completed application form
  • Flight itinerary
  • Hotel booking (if applicable)
  • Travel insurance

Heydar Aliyev International Airport Transit

Baku's main airport is well-equipped for transit passengers:

Airport Transit Facilities

Dining & Shopping
  • International restaurants
  • Local cuisine options
  • Coffee shops and cafes
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Souvenir shops
  • Bookstores
  • Pharmacy
Comfort & Services
  • VIP lounges
  • Rest areas with seating
  • Sleeping pods (paid)
  • Free WiFi throughout
  • Charging stations
  • Currency exchange
  • ATM machines
Special Facilities
  • Prayer rooms
  • Children's play areas
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Medical center
  • Lost and found
  • Information desks
  • Baggage storage

Transit Passenger Rights and Restrictions

Understanding your rights and limitations as a transit passenger:

What You Can Do
In Transit Area (Visa-Free):
  • Use all airport facilities
  • Shop at duty-free stores
  • Dine at restaurants and cafes
  • Rest in designated areas
  • Use WiFi and charging stations
  • Access lounges (if eligible)
  • Store luggage temporarily
With Transit Visa:
  • Leave airport premises
  • Stay in city hotels
  • Visit Baku attractions
  • Meet friends or family
  • Conduct brief business
Restrictions
General Restrictions:
  • Cannot work or seek employment
  • Cannot study or enroll in courses
  • Cannot establish residence
  • Cannot engage in political activities
  • Must have onward travel arrangements
Visa-Free Transit Limits:
  • Maximum 24 hours
  • Cannot leave international area
  • Cannot pass immigration control
  • Must have connecting flight
Transit Visa Limits:
  • Maximum 72 hours stay
  • Must depart as scheduled
  • Cannot extend beyond visa validity

Common Transit Scenarios

Here are typical transit situations and the requirements for each:

Scenario Transit Duration Visa Required Cost Notes
Same-day connection 2-8 hours No Free Stay in transit area
Overnight connection 12-20 hours No (if under 24h) Free Sleep in airport
Extended layover 24+ hours Yes $20 USD Can leave airport
City tour during layover Any duration Yes $20 USD Must return for flight
Land transit Up to 72 hours Yes $20 USD Always required

Transit Tips

  • Check your connection time carefully - under 24 hours usually means no visa needed
  • Confirm your final destination visa requirements before traveling
  • Keep all boarding passes and travel documents accessible
  • If planning to leave the airport, apply for transit visa in advance
  • Consider airport hotel if you have a long layover
  • Download offline maps of Baku if planning a city visit
  • Exchange some money to local currency for city expenses
  • Allow extra time to return to airport for your onward flight
Do I Need a Transit Visa?

No visa needed if:

  • Transit under 24 hours
  • Staying in airport
  • Have onward ticket

Visa required if:

  • Transit over 24 hours
  • Leaving airport
  • Land transit
Transit Options
  • Visa-Free: Under 24h - Free
  • e-Visa Transit: 3 days - $20
  • Embassy Transit: 5-10 days - €20
Airport Facilities
  • Restaurants & cafes
  • Duty-free shopping
  • VIP lounges
  • Rest areas
  • Free WiFi
  • Charging stations
  • Prayer rooms
Popular Routes
  • Europe ↔ Central Asia
  • Middle East ↔ Europe
  • Asia ↔ Europe
  • CIS countries connections
Need Transit Visa?

Apply for your Azerbaijan transit visa:

Apply Now

Smooth Transit Through Azerbaijan

Whether you need a transit visa or qualify for visa-free transit, we'll help you navigate your journey through Azerbaijan.