What Is the Azerbaijan Visa on Arrival?
The Azerbaijan visa on arrival (VOA) is a visa issued at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport to citizens of eligible countries. It allows travelers to obtain their visa upon landing without prior online application.
Eligibility for Visa on Arrival
Citizens of most eVisa eligible countries can also obtain a visa on arrival. However, the eVisa is generally recommended over the VOA for several reasons.
Eligible nationalities include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Most EU countries
- India
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- And other eVisa eligible countries
VOA Requirements
To obtain a visa on arrival, you need:
- Valid passport – Minimum 6 months validity from entry date
- Passport photos – 2 recent passport-sized photos
- Completed application form – Available at the airport
- Payment – Cash (USD) or credit card for the visa fee
- Return/onward ticket – Proof of departure from Azerbaijan
VOA Fees
| Processing | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Standard | $20 |
| Express | $50 |
Fees are the same as the eVisa. Payment is accepted in USD cash or by credit card.
VOA vs eVisa: Why eVisa Is Better
| Factor | VOA | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application | At airport | Online before travel |
| Processing time | 15-30 minutes | 3 hours – 3 days |
| Guaranteed entry | No | Yes |
| Queue | Yes (can be long) | No |
| Validity | 30 days | 90 days |
| Land border entry | No (airport only) | Yes (all borders) |
| Photos needed | Yes | No |
Recommendation: Apply for the eVisa online unless you need to travel within 3 hours and cannot wait for eVisa processing.
Should I get a visa on arrival or eVisa?
The eVisa is almost always the better choice. It guarantees entry before you travel, avoids airport queues, and provides 90-day validity instead of 30 days. Choose VOA only for last-minute travel when you cannot wait for eVisa processing.
Where to Get the VOA
The visa on arrival counter is located at:
- Airport – Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)
- Location – Before passport control in the arrivals hall
- Hours – Available for all arriving flights
Important: VOA is NOT available at land border crossings. If entering by land (from Georgia, Russia, Iran, or Turkey), you must have an eVisa or embassy visa.
VOA Application Process at the Airport
- Fill out the application form at the VOA counter
- Submit your passport and photos
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait 15-30 minutes for processing
- Receive your visa stamp
- Proceed to passport control
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival at land borders?
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport. If entering Azerbaijan by land, you must have a valid eVisa or embassy visa.
How long does visa on arrival take?
Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes. During peak arrival times (multiple flights landing simultaneously), wait times can be longer. Having all documents ready speeds up the process.
Do I need passport photos for visa on arrival?
Yes. You need 2 recent passport-sized photos for the VOA application. Bring them with you as photo services at the airport may be limited.
Last updated: July 2026. The information in this article has been verified against official sources.
