Azerbaijan travel guide

Visa and entry requirements

For citizens of most countries the easiest option is an electronic visa. You apply online on the official ASAN Visa portal (evisa.gov.az), the visa is sent by email and is usually ready within a few working days. The standard e-visa is single-entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Citizens of a number of countries can enter visa-free (for example Turkey, Georgia and most CIS countries). Because the list and permitted stays can change, check the rule for your country on the official portal.

If you stay longer than 15 days, you must register your address with the migration service. Hotels usually do this for you; if you rent an apartment, confirm it with your host.

• ✓Your passport should remain valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiry date.
• ✓Apply for an e-visa only on the official portal — intermediary sites charge extra fees.
• ✓Rules for passenger crossings at land borders can change; check the current situation before arriving by car or bus.

Money, cards and prices

The official currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). In Baku and other large cities, restaurants, shops and hotels accept Visa and Mastercard, and ATMs are easy to find.

In the regions, village guesthouses and markets you will need cash. Take enough manat with you in Baku or a district town before heading out on a mountain tour.

• ✓Exchange money at banks and official exchange offices.
• ✓If service is not included in the bill, a 5–10% tip in restaurants is customary.
• ✓Ride-hailing apps show the fare in advance; with street taxis, agree on the price before you get in.

Internet and SIM cards

There are three mobile operators: Azercell, Bakcell and Nar. You can buy a tourist SIM card at the airport or in operator shops with your passport. Some operators also offer eSIMs.

Mobile internet is good in cities and along main roads, but in high mountain villages and on trails the signal weakens or disappears entirely. Download offline maps.

Getting around

Baku has a metro, buses and ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber). Metro and bus fares are paid with a BakuCard, sold from machines at stations.

Buses to the regions leave from Baku International Bus Terminal. Trains run towards Ganja, Gazakh, Balakan and Astara, and there are domestic flights to Nakhchivan, Ganja, Gabala, Zagatala, Fuzuli and Zangilan.

Public transport to mountain areas such as Khinalug, Laza and Lahij is infrequent. A rental car, a car with driver or a tour from Baku is the easiest way.

• ✓An International Driving Permit is recommended for car rental.
• ✓Mountain roads are narrow and winding; try not to drive after dark.

Safety and health

Azerbaijan is generally a safe country for travellers; central Baku stays lively late into the night. Ordinary precautions are enough.

Weather in the mountains changes quickly. Go with an experienced guide on high routes, summits near the border and multi-day treks, and let someone know your route.

• ✓Single emergency number: 112.
• ✓Drink bottled water rather than tap water.
• ✓Landmines remain a risk in parts of Karabakh — stay on open roads and in permitted areas.
• ✓Travel insurance is recommended, especially a policy that covers mountain activities.

Culture and etiquette

Hospitality is at the heart of Azerbaijani culture: offering tea to a guest is customary, and turning it down can sometimes cause offence. It is usual to take your shoes off when entering a home.

The country is secular, and dress in Baku is much like in any European city. When visiting mosques and rural areas, more modest clothing is a sign of respect; women cover their hair inside mosques.

• ✓Ask before photographing people, especially women.
• ✓Photographing military sites and border posts is prohibited.

Azerbaijan through the seasons

Spring (April–May): the lowlands and foothills turn green, making it the most pleasant time for city walks. Snow still lingers in the high mountains.

Summer (June–August): Baku and the lowlands can reach 35 °C, while the mountains stay cool — this is the main season for hiking, camping and summit climbs.

Autumn (September–November): for many travellers, the best time of year. The forests change colour and the grape, pomegranate and apple harvests begin.

Winter (December–March): ski season at Shahdag and Tufandag. Roads to mountain villages can close because of snow.

How to book a tour on Gotabiat

Gotabiat brings together tours from local operators across Azerbaijan in one place. Choose a tour, select a date and the number of travellers and send a request; the operator confirms your places and gets in touch with you.

The payment method and cancellation terms are shown on each tour page and in the operator’s confirmation message. Most tours depart from Baku, and the meeting point is marked on the map on the tour page.

• ✓You can view prices in your own currency (USD, EUR and others).
• ✓Operators usually communicate in Azerbaijani, Russian and English.

Useful phrases

Outside Baku, knowing a few words of Azerbaijani makes conversations much easier, and locals always appreciate the effort.

Salam

Hello

Sağ olun

Thank you

Bəli / Xeyr

Yes / No

Zəhmət olmasa

Please

Bağışlayın

Excuse me / Sorry

Bu neçəyədir?

How much is this?

Hesabı gətirin, zəhmət olmasa

The bill, please

Kömək edin!

Help!

Regional guides

Each region page covers what to see, when to go, how to get there and the tours heading that way.

• BakuThe capital on the Caspian, where medieval walls stand next to glass towers.
• GubaA northern region of apple orchards and mountain villages, and the gateway to Khinalug.
• ShakiA historic Silk Road town of caravanserais, the stained-glass Khan’s Palace and famous halva.
• NakhchivanAn autonomous republic of medieval mausoleums, a salt cave and dry mountain landscapes.
• KhiziThe closest mountains to Baku: red-striped hills, Altiaghaj forests and the Caspian shore.
• GusarShahdag ski resort, Bazarduzu — the country’s highest peak — and the waterfalls of Laza.
• ShamakhiThe former capital of Shirvan: an ancient Friday Mosque, the Seven Domes and vineyards.
• IsmayilliThe coppersmith village of Lahij, forested mountains, the Niyaldag trails and vineyards.
• GabalaA family-friendly region of forests, Lake Nohur, the Seven Beauties waterfall and the Tufandag cable cars.
• GakhSome of the best views of the Caucasus, the historic village of Ilisu and waterfalls.
• ZagatalaA multicultural region of centuries-old plane trees, fortress walls, hazelnut groves and a nature reserve.
• GanjaBirthplace of Nizami Ganjavi, the country’s second city and the gateway to Goygol.
• GoygolAn emerald lake beneath Mount Kapaz, a national park and a 19th-century German colony.
• NaftalanA spa town known for baths in naftalan, the world’s only medicinal crude oil.
• ShamkirThe German colony of Annenfeld, the ruins of ancient Shamkir and an international chess tournament.
• LankaranTea plantations, citrus groves and the UNESCO-listed Hyrcanian forests between the Caspian and the Talysh Mountains.
• LerikGreen highlands and clean air in the Talysh Mountains, known as the land of centenarians.
• KarabakhShusha, Aghdam and Kalbajar: the historic cradle of Azerbaijani culture.

Frequently asked questions