Azerbaijan Ultimate Travel Guide for UAE Citizens and Residents

Are you planning to swap the desert dunes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the architectural wonders of Baku? For those traveling from the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, visiting Azerbaijan in 2026 is exceptionally convenient. Depending on whether you are a UAE national or an expatriate resident, you enjoy some of the most flexible entry rules in the world.

Entry Rules for UAE Citizens (Nationals)

In 2026, citizens of the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES holding an ordinary UAE passport enjoy visa-free entry to Azerbaijan.

• Permitted Stay: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

• Requirements: Just a valid UAE passport (must be valid for at least 6 months).

Entry Rules for UAE Residents (Expatriates)

If you are a resident of the UAE but hold a different nationality, you still have major advantages. In 2026, UAE residents with a residency visa valid for at least 6 months can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport in Baku.

Important Note: While VOA is available for most UAE residents, many prefer to secure an E-Visa in advance to avoid airport queues and ensure all documents are pre-approved before departure.

Processing Times and Fees (2026 Site Rates)

For UAE residents who prefer the security of a pre-approved visa, we offer two specialized tiers for 2026:

1. Standard E-Visa: * Time: Issued within 3 business days.
   Fee: 80 USD.

2. Urgent E-Visa: * Time: Issued in just 3 hours, available 24/7/365.
   Fee: 150 USD.

Essential Passport & Residency Requirements

• The 6-Month Rule: Both your passport and your UAE residency visa (for non-citizens) should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

• Air Travel Only: In 2026, Azerbaijan’s land borders remain closed to passenger traffic under a special regime (extended until April 1, 2026). You must fly into Baku (GYD).

• Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has space for entry and exit stamps.

The Mandatory 15-Day Registration Rule

Regardless of whether you entered visa-free or with a visa, if you stay in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service.

• How to Register: Hotels usually handle this automatically. If you are staying in a private apartment, your host must register you online.

• Cost: This is a free service.

• Penalty: Failure to register can lead to heavy fines (approx. 300-400 AZN) upon departure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do UAE citizens need a visa for Azerbaijan in 2026?

No, UAE nationals can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

2. Can UAE residents get a visa at the airport?

Yes, most UAE residents with a valid residency of 6+ months can get a 30-day Visa on Arrival. However, to skip the lines, you can apply for our Standard E-Visa for 80 USD or our Urgent 3-hour E-Visa for 150 USD.

3. Does a UAE resident need to print the e-visa?

Yes! If you choose the e-visa option, you must print a physical copy to present at the border along with your passport and Emirates ID/Residency copy.