02/12/2022
General Guidelines for Visitors to Azerbaijan
If you plan to visit Azerbaijan, you must obtain a visa before arriving in the country. As a tourist, you can apply for an e-visa. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 05 days before the planned travel date.
E-visas are single-entry visas and are valid for 30 days. If you require any other type of visa, you must apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Islamabad before departure. To obtain other types of visa, you must present a letter of invitation from a contact in Azerbaijan, such as an employer or educational institution. If you donโt have a contact in Azerbaijan, the invitation letter should be submitted by the travel agency in Azerbaijan.
Registration
All visitors must register with the State Migration Service within 15 calendar days after their arrival if the intended stay is more than 15 days. Failure to register could result in a fine and or deportation. You may be stopped from leaving Azerbaijan until the fine is paid.
If the intended stay in Azerbaijan is more than 30 days, you must obtain a temporary residence card or apply to extend your visa. Visa extension or conversion of type of visa is usually not allowed.
Options for Accommodation
There is a large inventory of hotels and motels in Azerbaijan for tourists. On average, the per day room can cost between 30-60 AZN for 3 stars hotels (depending on the season), 70-130 AZN for 4-star Hotels, and 200 AZN and above for 5-star Hotels. Hotel information is available on different websites including booking.com
Transportation
Taxi services such as BOLT and UBER are quite affordable.
Renting a car can be an option with or without a driver. Daily charges are usually 90-100 AZN
After Arrival at the Airport, Bus and Taxi can be taken to City Center/or to Hotel.
Buying a Mobile SIM Card
One SIM card of Azercell and Bakcell can cost around 18-25 Manat, which consists of enough local calls and internet data to be used by tourists for one week.
Currency Exchange
01 USD is exchanged for 1.69 AZN. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Airport and from the City Banks, which can give better rates. Pakistani Currency (Rupee) cannot be exchanged in Azerbaijan.
Shopping Destinations
Several international standard Malls are in Baku from where shopping for various international and local brands is possible. Usually, 18% VAT is charged on shopping. Popular Malls include Genjlik, Deniz, 28 May, and Park Boulevard Malls. There are also popular shopping stores on the famous Nizami Street in the heart of the city. Bargaining is quite common at local shopping stores.
Food
Halal food is easily available since Azerbaijan is a Muslim country. There are plenty of Turkish and Azerbaijani restaurants in all prominent areas of Baku and outside where halal food is available. There are also a few Pakistani restaurants in Baku city.
Traffic Safety
Major city roads are well-maintained, but driving can still be dangerous because many drivers do not pay attention to the speed limit and traffic rules/signs. Pedestrians should exercise caution.
Beware of Scams
Azerbaijan is not situated in Europe. Without valid legal travel documents, you cannot go to any country other than Azerbaijan. Some of your compatriots might connive with local people to deceive you by convincing you that if you give them money they could get you a visa to some other country, jobs, business, etc. Beware of financial frauds.
What not to do in Azerbaijan
Donโt ask questions from anyone about religion or his/her religious beliefs/practices.
Donโt pass any negative comments on political leadership or the political system in Azerbaijan.
Do not take pictures/videos of police and other law enforcement personnel.
Do not make a photo/video of a local man or woman secretly or without their permission
Do not pass negative comments about any local man or woman's dress, beliefs, or lifestyle.
Donโt involve yourself in unnecessary arguments/heated discussions with police personnel or other law enforcement agencies
Do not give your money to an unknown person or a new acquaintance for a shareholding in business and investment unless you are well aware of all related risks, including financial losses and legal obligations. If you do not know the Azerbaijani language, it is very difficult as well as risky to do business and/or invest in Azerbaijan