Shamakhi

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.  

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.  

Emergency services in Azerbaijan

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police: 102

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Azerbaijan
• dealing with a death in Azerbaijan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Azerbaijan
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Azerbaijan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Azerbaijan-Armenia border

The border with Armenia remains closed. The FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Armenia, due to tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Note that this does not include the border of Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave with Armenia.

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel 

South-western Azerbaijan (those regions affected by conflict in 2020 and 2023) 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to: 

• The districts (‘rayons’) of Kelbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Shusha, Khojali, Khankendi, Aghdam and Tartar

You should follow Azerbaijani national government and local authorities’ advice in areas that have not been cleared of mines or unexploded ordnance.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

UK government support

Help for British nationals is extremely limited in the areas where we advise against travel.   

Regional escalation 

There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption, including airspace closures and other unanticipated impacts. 

British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances. These include: 

• read if you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” 

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts 

• monitor local and international media for the latest information 

• follow the instructions of the local authorities 

For information on crossing the border from Iran into Azerbaijan, see Entry requirements.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

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Follow  FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
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• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, although most of the population is Muslim. Religion is usually considered a private matter. 

Some areas, such as Martyrs’ Alley, are especially sensitive. Disruptive or disrespectful conduct in or around such area may result in police action, including fines or being summoned to the police station.

Personal ID

Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. Carry your passport at all times. Keep a copy of the photo page in a safe place.

Dress code

In Baku local and foreign women usually dress in conservative western-style clothing. It is now more acceptable for men to wear shorts in Baku in the summer months. Outside of Baku it may still be frowned on, and you may receive unwelcome attention.

Ramadan  

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country.

Most restaurants, cafés, shops and other services in Azerbaijan continue to operate during Ramadan. Some businesses may adjust their opening hours or offer special Ramadan arrangements.

During Ramadan, you should:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants, as these may vary

• respect local religious customs and traditions

• follow local dress codes, particularly when visiting religious sites - clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time

• be aware that some people may be fasting and may be more tired than usual, especially in the late afternoon and early evening

• be patient and considerate towards those who are observing Ramadan

Smoking restrictions 

Smoking is restricted to designated areas. You can be fined for dropping smoking-related litter. Use bins provided.

Illegal drugs

Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Azerbaijan have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras and drones in sensitive locations

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites or sites of commemoration, such as the Alley of Martyrs in Baku. If in doubt, ask for permission.

Military bases, equipment and installations in any condition are considered sensitive areas, and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to visit or photograph them.

If you do not have temporary or permanent residence rights in Azerbaijan, you are not allowed to import drones. Any drones will be confiscated by the State Customs Office at the port or border and returned upon departure. 

Unmanned drones cannot be rented to individuals without a valid taxpayer identification number (TIN). If you have a TIN, special permission from the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport is required. Manned drones can be rented without requiring permission.

LGBT+ travellers

While same-sex sexual activity is not illegal, LGBT+ people in Azerbaijan tend to keep a low profile. Showing affection in public is frowned upon, especially outside of Baku and among the older generation.

Holding hands or embracing between men is usually a sign of friendship.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.