Azerbaijan: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Azerbaijan requires most nationalities to apply for an e-visa through the official ASAN Visa portal, an online process usually resolved within three business days and granting a single entry for up to 30 days. The country is not part of the Schengen Area, and the requirement depends on the traveler's passport, not their language or country of residence.
Baku, the capital on the shores of the Caspian Sea, combines Ottoman and Islamic architecture in its old town with modern glass towers. The currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN), and the general emergency number is 112.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Most nationalities need to apply for the official ASAN Visa e-visa before traveling; it is not a Schengen country and the process depends solely on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Baku has good-quality private hospitals, but options are limited outside the capital; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
Visa and entry requirements
The ASAN Visa e-visa process is completed on the official government portal, requiring a valid passport, a digital photo, and payment of the corresponding fee; approval is usually received by email within up to three business days.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after the departure date.
- Proof of flight or accommodation booking, if requested.
- Print or save the e-visa approval digitally for immigration control.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Baku has private hospitals with international standards where foreigners are billed directly for care. Outside the capital, medical infrastructure is more limited, especially in rural inland areas.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Azerbaijan; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote.
Transportation and currency
The currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). The Baku metro is modern and inexpensive, and ride-hailing taxis work well in the capital. For trips inland, it's worth arranging private transportation or intercity buses.
When to travel
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures for exploring Baku and the Caucasus region. Summer can be very hot along the Caspian coast.
Travel checklist for Azerbaijan
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Azerbaijan.
- Check the visa requirement for Azerbaijan based on your passport: Most nationalities need to apply for the official ASAN Visa e-visa before traveling; it is not a Schengen country and the process depends solely on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Baku has good-quality private hospitals, but options are limited outside the capital; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
- Save Azerbaijan's emergency number: 112 (101 fire, 102 police, and 103 ambulance also work), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Azerbaijani manat (AZN)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a visa for Azerbaijan?
Through the official ASAN Visa portal, an online process usually resolved within about three business days, granting stays of up to 30 days.
What is the emergency number in Azerbaijan?
112 is the general emergency number nationwide, along with the traditional numbers 101, 102, and 103.
Do all passports need an e-visa for Azerbaijan?
Most do, though some nationalities have different arrangements; it's worth checking the exact requirement for your passport before traveling.
What currency should I use in Azerbaijan?
The Azerbaijani manat (AZN); international cards are widely accepted in Baku.
