Azerbaijan Expands E-Visa Access for USA, UK, Japan and 83+ Countries

Azerbaijan has widened its door for short-term visitors in 2024–2025, rolling out broader Azerbaijan e-visa eligibility and targeted visa-on-arrival measures tied to major events. Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Norway, Pakistan, and more than 80 other countries can now apply through the ASAN Visa system for a fast, low-cost entry document. Officials say the goal is simple: make it easier for tourists, business travelers, and media crews to enter during a busy calendar of international gatherings while keeping standard checks in place.

ASAN e‑Visa: key details

Under the expanded access policy, ASAN Visa offers a single-entry e-visa for up to 30 days within a 90-day validity period. Main features:

• Standard e-visa: $25; processed in about 3 working days.
• Urgent e-visa: $60; processed in about 3 hours.
• Both options carry an additional $5 service fee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains the list of eligible countries, which includes all EU and EFTA states along with major countries across Asia and the Americas. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this combination of speed, low cost, and clear rules positions the Azerbaijan e-visa among the more user-friendly entry systems in the region.

Temporary visa-on-arrival for the 2025 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Azerbaijan introduced a temporary visa-on-arrival window for the 2025 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (scheduled September 19–21, 2025). Details:

• Visa-on-arrival available from August 25 to September 30, 2025 at any international airport.
• Eligible if you show any of the following:
  • Official Formula 1 or FIA accreditation
  • Baku City Circuit accreditation
  • A ticket or proof of ticket purchase for the race

The measure supports fans, journalists, and technical teams, and aims to keep arrivals smooth at peak times.

Changes for high-skilled professionals and permits (effective Dec 29, 2024)

Azerbaijan has also eased some permit rules to attract global talent:

• Highly qualified foreign nationals working in their field are exempt from work permit requirements, though they still need an entry visa.
• Temporary residence permits extended to up to three years (previously one year) and renewable for another three years.
• Processing times shortened to:
  • Temporary residence: 10–15 business days
  • Work permits: 5–15 business days
  • Permanent residence: 25–50 calendar days
• Exams on Azerbaijani law and language are no longer required for permanent residence for these individuals.

Employers say these changes help planning and allow professionals (engineers, senior managers) to start projects faster with fewer steps.

Visa-free regime with China (effective July 16, 2025)

A mutual visa-free regime with China started on July 16, 2025:

• Ordinary passport holders from both countries may travel visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, capped at 90 days in any 180-day period.
• The waiver does not cover work, study, or journalism.

This agreement complements the broader policy: facilitating short stays while keeping separate pathways for work and long-term residence.

How the ASAN Visa process works

The ASAN Visa platform—launched in 2017—remains the heart of the update. The process is straightforward:

1. Check eligibility on the official list and confirm your nationality qualifies for the ASAN Visa.
2. Apply through the official e-visa portal, upload a passport valid for at least three months beyond the visa’s expiry, and pay the fee.
3. Wait for processing:
   • 3 working days for standard applications
   • About 3 hours for urgent applications
4. Print the e-visa and carry it with your passport for border control.
5. If you plan to stay more than 15 days, register your address with the State Migration Service after arrival.

For many visitors—especially those attending conferences or the Grand Prix—the choice between an e-visa and the event-based visa-on-arrival depends on timing: the e-visa gives certainty before travel; the event window gives last-minute flexibility.

Practical advice for travelers

• Keep a printed copy of the e-visa together with your passport.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay.
• If staying more than 15 days, complete the address registration with the State Migration Service.
• For the Formula 1 visa-on-arrival window, have your ticket, proof of purchase, or official accreditation ready before boarding.
• Each traveler, including children, needs their own e-visa.
• Enter accurate personal data exactly as shown on the passport—changes after issuance can be hard or impossible.
• Those with a history of overstays should plan ahead and carry proof of onward travel.

Important: Border checks and security screening remain in place. Immigration officers can ask for proof of accommodation or return flights.

Impact on applicants, employers, and stakeholders

• Tourism operators report rising interest as the race weekend approaches; hotels in Baku are adjusting capacity plans.
• The event-based window should ease pressure on consulates and shorten queues at airport counters.
• Newsrooms and media crews benefit from the flexibility: an e-visa allows early planning; the visa-on-arrival acts as a safety net for late assignments.
• Employers gain from shorter processing times (notably 5–15 business days for work permits) and longer temporary residence terms, reducing administrative burden.
• Students and researchers still need to apply under appropriate categories; event or visa-free options generally exclude long-term study or work.
• Travel agents advise keeping both digital and printed copies of tickets and accreditations to avoid delays.

Stakeholders expect visitor numbers to rise as awareness spreads. Airlines may adjust capacity for race week; hospitality businesses are preparing for late bookings. The streamlined e-visa fees—$25 standard and $60 urgent, plus the $5 service fee—are competitive, and the 3-hour urgent processing helps last-minute travelers.

Policy context and government stance

Public officials note that President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree supporting the Grand Prix visa window and endorsed broader mobility steps aligned with economic and tourism plans. The policy mix aims to draw short-stay visitors while upgrading permit systems for longer-term talent.

Observers expect more bilateral deals and event-linked measures into 2025, but no specific timelines have been announced. The focus remains on policies that support tourism, business ties, and international event hosting.

Where to apply and official guidance

For official guidance and to apply, use the official ASAN Visa portal at the following link:
– Azerbaijan e-visa portal

The site provides eligibility details, fees, processing times, and the online application form. It’s also where travelers can confirm any changes to policy dates, such as the start and end of the Grand Prix visa-on-arrival window.