Azerbaijan Travel Guide: Things to Remember Before You Visit

In this Azerbaijan travel guide, we’ll share some fascinating tips and hacks for saving money while exploring this beautiful and captivating country. We’ll begin with highlights from our very first trip. 

Our complete Azerbaijan itinerary includes Baku, Sheki, Lahij, Gabala and the Caspian Sea coast. Among all these stunning places, Sheki is the one closest to our hearts. We also know that you will absolutely love Baku, not least because of the charming places to stay.

From our experience, the best things about Azerbaijan are its warm-hearted, generous people, its efficient and cost-effective transportation, and tourist-friendly passes like the BakuCard, which offers public transport access and great deals on many attractions.

This guide provides you with the essentials, from securing your Azerbaijan e-Visa to our unmissable travel tips, so that you can dive straight into your adventure. We’ve got you covered.

Which Must See Destinations Should You Visit In Azerbaijan?

Gobustan National Park near Baku

For most visitors, an Azerbaijani holiday is all about exploring fascinating places like Baku, the Caspian Sea Boulevard, and Gobustan. A few adventurous travellers, however, head into the Caucasus, especially to a place like Khinalug, or even cross over into Georgia via Sheki.

While the Old City of Baku is a fascinating destination for many, don't limit your travel to these popular spots. Be sure to explore beyond the capital and experience other regions of Azerbaijan, or even its incredible neighbouring countries, with the benefit of a Georgian e-Visa.

With its diverse and versatile landscape, the country offers a variety of destinations to explore, including Gabala, Lankaran, Nakhchivan, Ganja, and even Shahdag in winter.

Ultimate Application for Azerbaijani Tourists

Applying for the Azerbaijan eVisa is a quick and straightforward online process that takes only a few minutes.

• Fill Out the Online Form

  For the application, please ensure you have accurately entered your personal details, passport information, and a reason for visiting Azerbaijan.

• Upload the Required Documents

  Please provide a clear scan of your passport bio page.

• Receive Your Azerbaijani e-Visa.

  Once your Azerbaijan eVisa is approved, it will be sent to your email address. You can either use the digital copy or print it and carry it with you to Azerbaijan.

Do Global Travellers Need an Azerbaijan eVisa?

All eligible foreign citizens must obtain an Azerbaijani eVisa before entering the country. The eVisa is a digital entry authorisation for purposes such as tourism, short business trips, and family visits. It is essential for visitors who will be arriving by air, and can also be applied for entirely online.

Travelling With Family On Azerbaijan eVisa

Yes, every traveller, including children and infants, must have their own Azerbaijan eVisa. Each individual must also submit a separate, fast, and secure online application.

What Is The Processing Time For the Azerbaijan eVisa?

Eligible travellers can apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa online by filling out the form and making a secure payment. The visa is processed quickly, within Within 3 - 5 Days for standard processing times, which can be immensely shortened to Within 12 - 24 Hours by Rush Processing or in as little as Within 4 - 6 Hours for those requiring urgent processing through Super Rush Processing.

Please note: If your stay in Azerbaijan exceeds 10 days, you must register your address with the State Migration Service free of charge.

Time Zones, Weather and the Best Time to Visit

Demiraparan riverbed with Laza village

Azerbaijan follows a single time zone, which significantly simplifies travelling from region to region. This makes it much more convenient to check your itinerary and ensures you won't miss any flights or buses. 

Despite being a compact country, Azerbaijan has a surprisingly diverse climate that changes from area to area. Warm weather prevails from May to September, making this the prime tourism season. During this time, the average temperature in Baku is a comfortable 25 to 30°C. 

Azerbaijani winters can be surprisingly cold in the peaks, with temperatures going below -10°C in Shahdag and it is the perfect season to enjoy winter sports.

What to pack for your trip to Azerbaijan?

UNESCO protected prehistoric cave Gobustan

No traveller's guide to Azerbaijan is complete without packing tips. While what you need to pack depends on the season, the single most essential item is a pair of comfortable walking shoes. The historic sites of Baku and Sheki are best explored on foot, and having the proper footwear is crucial to ensuring a successful and enjoyable trip.

Azerbaijani winters are pretty cold, so be sure to pack warm clothing. Essential items include a warm jacket or long coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves or mittens, as well as winter shoes with a solid grip.

(Mosque Dress Code: When visiting mosques, it is essential to dress modestly and appropriately. Women should wear a shawl to cover their heads and opt for long, loose clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Men are required to wear long trousers.)

Food and Drinks

Traditional Azerbaijani kutaby with herbs

In Azerbaijan, be sure to look out for the comfortable and aesthetically pleasing chaikhanas, or traditional tea houses. These have been popular social spots for centuries and are still a great way to enjoy a cost-efficient meal with endless tea. 

Many restaurants and cafes offer business lunches at a lower price than their regular menu. Tea is the most popular drink in Azerbaijan and is always served with jam, sugar, and delicious snacks. 

Close-up of nut-filled Azerbaijani shekerbura

In addition to local Azerbaijani cuisine, you will find a variety of other delicious regional dishes worth trying, including Georgian, Turkish, and Persian. Italian food is also very popular in Baku and other large cities, where you can find plenty of excellent restaurants serving delicious pizza and pasta.

Azerbaijan Fascinating Travel Tips That You Must Consider

• Azerbaijan offers many excellent guesthouses and boutique hotels that provide clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations.
• The Baku Metro and the seaside boulevard offer an excellent and affordable way to experience the modern vibrancy of urban Azerbaijan. 
• Visitors to Baku often enjoy the affordable street food stalls near Fountain Square and the charming shopping available at the city's metro stations.
• In Sheki, be sure to join a guided walking tour or a craft workshop led by young locals. These experiences are an excellent way to gain an authentic insight into the city's rich culture.
• For an authentic and affordable culinary experience, follow the locals' lead. In coastal Lankaran, for instance,travellers can enjoy freshly grilled fish bought directly from the fishermen. This delicious and inexpensive meal, paired with Azerbaijani tea and local citrus, makes for a truly memorable moment.
• Eating prepared meals is a great way to save a significant amount of money in Azerbaijan. You can buy bags of qutab at local markets, while pastries like pakhlava and shekerbura are often sold at a lower price in the evenings.

eVisa to Azerbaijan and Its Border Crossing: Quick eVisa Guide

Azerbaijan is a fascinating treasure of the Caucasus, and its location makes it the perfect starting point for a combined, low-cost adventure to nearby countries.

For those seeking an unforgettable adventure that blends tradition and modernity, Azerbaijan is the perfect destination. Thanks to the simple Azerbaijan eVisa application, you can easily explore Baku's futuristic skyline and other mesmerising places.

Sunset panorama of Baku skyline

To the west, a trip to Armenia offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant culture, all with the help of an Armenian e-Visa!

Historic Sevanavank on Armenia’s lakeside

If you are dreaming of a fairytale escape, the Romania e-Visa makes it easy to explore Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, medieval castles, and colourful old towns, all part of a charming and affordable adventure. 

Romanian countryside with autumn foliage

The Caucasus region is an extraordinary mosaic of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. After your trip to Azerbaijan, you can easily continue your journey to Georgia. A Georgia eVisa allows you to explore its stunning vineyards, ancient monasteries, and mesmerising places, making for a seamless travel experience.

Borjomi, Georgia, in colourful October

Final Words: Why Visit Azerbaijan?

Scenic mosque view in Azerbaijan’s capital

Looking for a destination that combines a rich history with modern adventure? Look no further than Azerbaijan. This fascinating land offers a captivating blend of magnificent mountains, timeless history, and vibrant cities like Baku. From the Caspian Sea coastline to Sheki’s old-world charm, Azerbaijan is a land of wonders waiting to be discovered. Apply for your Azerbaijan eVisa today and begin your unforgettable Caucasus adventure.