Essential Travel Tips for Saudi Arabian Expats Visiting Azerbaijan

To apply for an Azerbaijan visa from Saudi Arabia, make sure you meet the following conditions:

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity upon arrival in Azerbaijan. Make sure your passport is undamaged and has at least 2 free pages. This also applies to Azerbaijan visa for Saudi Arabian iqama holders. You will need a digital passport copy. A digital passport is a digital file or photo of the biography page of your passport. You will need a valid email address to receive notifications regarding the visa process and to receive your visa approval. A valid address in Azerbaijan where you will be staying during your stay. It can be a hotel or a private home.

Standard Visa: A standard visa is valid for 90 days and allows you to stay in Azerbaijan for a maximum of 30 days. This type of visa is usually processed within 3-5 business days.

Emergency Visa: Emergency visas are valid for 90 days and allow you to stay in Azerbaijan for a maximum of 30 days. Processing time is usually 24 hours.

Super Fast Visa: The Super Fast Visa is valid for 90 days and allows you to stay in Azerbaijan for a maximum of 30 days. The processing time for this visa is usually 3-5 hours.

Visit the Azerbaijan e-Visa website and fill out the application form. Please make sure the information is accurate and complete; applications cannot be edited after they are submitted.

You’ll need to upload a digital copy of your passport biography page. Make sure the photo is clear and legible before submitting it.

You’ll need to pay a fee to submit your application. Major credit cards and electronic debit cards are usually accepted.

Based on the processing time you selected, you will receive an email confirming that your visa application has been processed. You will be informed of the status of your application and whether or not your application has been approved or if further information is required.

Azerbaijan can be visited all year round, but the activities you plan to participate in will affect when you should visit.

In spring (May to June), you can expect mild temperatures of between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). This time of year is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, visiting gardens and parks, and trekking in the Caucasus Mountains.

Summer is known for its warm weather, with temperatures rising to 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). Festivals, events and beach resorts are in full swing, and water sports are a popular tourist activity.

In autumn temperatures cool slightly to between 20°C and 28°C (68°F and 82°F), making this the perfect time for sightseeing and to enjoy Azerbaijan’s harvest season.

Winter is a less popular season for tourists but it is the best time to enjoy winter sports. Shahdag Mountain Resort offers skiing and other winter sports activities for the adventurous souls.

While both Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan are Muslim-majority countries, Azerbaijan embraces more secular practices and diverse lifestyles. The blend of Eastern and Western influences has transformed the landscape of Azerbaijan, which is evident in the different clothing styles and social occasions.

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani (or Azeri). English is not widely spoken, but is becoming more common in tourist areas. Here are some Azerbaijani phrases that will be useful for your travels:

Hello: Salam Thank you: Təşəkkür edirəm Please: Zəhmət olmasa Yes: Bəli No: Xeyr

Typical Azerbaijani dress is modest but casual. Women are not required to cover their heads, but are expected to do so as a sign of respect when visiting religious sites. Men are expected to cover their knees and elbows and are discouraged from showing affection in public.

A: The best airlines for travel from Saudi Arabia to Azerbaijan are Azerbaijan Airlines, flydubai and Qatar Airways. The average flight time from Riyadh/Jeddah to Baku is 3-5 hours.

A: Public transport in Azerbaijan is efficient, reliable and affordable. Travelers can travel by bus, tram and metro. Taxi services are also affordable and popular.

A: The local currency in Azerbaijan is the Manat (AZN).

A: Most modern hotels, restaurants and major retailers accept credit or debit cards. In rural areas, markets and small shops, cash transactions are common.

A: Hotels, resorts, hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb are the most popular accommodation options in Azerbaijan. Travelers can find a variety of travel options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.

A: As the majority of Azerbaijan’s population is Muslim, halal food is widely available. Most restaurants, grocery stores and shops sell halal-certified foods.

A: Popular dishes in Azerbaijan are plov, dolma, kebab and piti.

A: In Baku, the Flame Towers, Baku Boulevard and the historical Old City are popular tourist attractions. In Gabala, Tufandag Mountain Resort is a great spot for winter sports and hiking. Sheki Khan’s Palace is also a famous tourist destination.

A: Baku Taza Bazaar, Nizami Street and of course carpet shops are the best places to find authentic, locally made products.

A: Yes, traveling to Azerbaijan is generally safe. As with any travel destination, please be aware of your surroundings, do not leave valuables unattended, and follow local laws and customs.

From the breathtakingly beautiful countryside to the bustling city of Baku, Azerbaijan has a lot to offer Saudi Arabian travelers. Explore Azerbaijan and start your visa application today!