Entering and exiting Azerbaijan: updated 2024 guide on border restrictions and travel options
Last updated: November 12, 2024
Border updates • Travel restrictions • Entry and exit guidelines
Border updates • Travel restrictions • Entry and exit guidelines
Azerbaijan has maintained specific restrictions on entering and exiting the country since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Currently, all land borders remain closed to travelers as part of an ongoing quarantine measure extended until January 1, 2025. This closure affects both foreign tourists and Azerbaijani citizens alike, restricting all entry via land. However, there are specific guidelines and allowances for exiting the country, especially for foreign nationals wishing to cross into neighboring countries like Georgia and Russia.
In this article, we provide the latest information and practical tips for visitors in 2024 looking to enter, exit, or cross borders in Azerbaijan.
Current status of land border closures in Azerbaijan
Since March 2020, Azerbaijan’s land borders have been closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, affecting routes for travel by road, train, or car. This closure applies to all passengers, with only freight transportation allowed to cross the land borders. While the special quarantine regime is set to last until January 1, 2025, it’s essential for travelers to stay updated on possible extensions or changes.
Presently, the only open route for entry into Azerbaijan is via air travel. International flights operate regularly to and from Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, connecting the city to major destinations worldwide. No PCR test or vaccination documentation is required for entering Azerbaijan, as previous COVID-related entry requirements have been removed.
Entering Azerbaijan: air travel only
If you’re planning to visit Azerbaijan in 2024, you must do so by airplane. While the land borders remain closed, flights into Baku continue to operate without disruptions.
For those arriving by air, Baku’s international airport is the key point of entry. Travelers from neighboring countries like Georgia, Turkey, Russia, and Iran must fly directly, as the land crossings are inaccessible.
Exiting Azerbaijan: options for foreign nationals
While entering Azerbaijan by land is restricted, foreign nationals have an alternative for exiting the country by crossing land borders on foot. This is particularly useful for those wishing to continue their travels to Tbilisi, Georgia, or other nearby cities. Here’s how it works:
- Reach the border by car, bus, or train: foreign nationals can travel by car, bus, or train up to the Azerbaijani border.
- Cross the border on foot: once at the border, foreign visitors can exit on foot, as vehicles are not permitted to cross due to the closure.
- Continue the journey by land in neighboring countries: after crossing the Azerbaijani side on foot, travelers can resume their journey in the neighboring country by bus, taxi, or train.
However, Azerbaijani citizens are still restricted from exiting the country by land and must depart by air only.
Why are land borders closed?
Azerbaijan’s decision to keep land borders closed stems from both COVID-19 precautions and security considerations. Since the borders initially closed in 2020, the quarantine measures have been renewed every three months. While pandemic-specific restrictions such as PCR testing, mask mandates, and vaccination checks have been lifted, the land border closure remains the only restriction under the quarantine regime.
Key information for travelers in 2024
- Land border status: closed until at least January 1, 2025.
- Entry into Azerbaijan: possible only by air via Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku.
- Exit options for foreign nationals: can exit by foot at land borders but need to cross borders by air if entering.
- Popular routes: foreign nationals looking to travel to Georgia or Russia may use land borders to exit but must arrange transportation on either side of the crossing.
- Alternative travel: taxis, buses, and trains operate up to the land borders, though crossing must be done on foot.
The latest travel news for Azerbaijan indicates that land borders will remain closed for entry through 2024, with air travel the primary means for visitors. This closure is one of the last remaining COVID-19 measures, and foreign nationals have a viable option to exit the country by crossing the land borders on foot. With air travel fully operational, tourists can still explore Baku and Azerbaijan’s many attractions, though it’s recommended to stay updated on possible reopening or further extensions of the quarantine regime.
If you’re planning to visit Azerbaijan in 2024, plan to fly into Baku, and keep an eye on border reopening updates as the situation may change in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
No, all land borders in Azerbaijan remain closed to travelers. The closure is in place until at least January 1, 2025.
No, entry into Azerbaijan is currently only allowed by air. Land borders remain closed to passengers, with the exception of freight transportation.
Yes, foreign nationals can exit Azerbaijan by crossing land borders on foot, though vehicles cannot cross. Azerbaijani citizens must exit by air only.
Azerbaijan’s land borders are expected to remain closed until January 1, 2025. Further extensions may be possible.
No, Azerbaijan no longer requires a PCR test or proof of vaccination for entry by air.
The border is closed for entry into Azerbaijan, but foreign nationals may exit Azerbaijan by crossing into Georgia on foot.
Yes, foreign nationals can travel to Georgia by land from Azerbaijan, but they must cross the border on foot.
No, entering Azerbaijan by land from Georgia is currently not allowed. Entry into Azerbaijan is only permitted by air.
No, there is currently no train service from Azerbaijan to Georgia, or from Georgia to Azerbaijan, due to land border closures.
Yes, foreign nationals can exit Azerbaijan and travel to Russia either by crossing the land border on foot or by air. Azerbaijani citizens, however, must exit by air.
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