Azerbaijan Plans to Expand Visa-Free Entry and Introduce a New E-Visa System

On August 20, 2026, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a new state program for the development of tourism for the period 2026 to 2030. The program outlines several measures designed to make it easier for travelers to enter Azerbaijan in the future. At the heart of the program is a significant expansion of the visa-free entry policy, as well as the further development of the ASAN Visa electronic visa system.

Specifically, Azerbaijan plans to increase the number of countries whose citizens are allowed to enter the country without a visa using a regular passport in the coming years. In total, approximately 34 countries defined as tourist target markets are to be included in the visa-free program by 2030. For travelers from these markets, this would eliminate the need to apply for a visa before their trip—a development that should make Azerbaijan a much more accessible travel destination.

At the same time, Azerbaijan plans to further develop its existing e-visa system. Currently, electronic visas are issued exclusively as single-entry visas through the ASAN Visa System. The authorities now plan to introduce a multiple-entry e-visa, which would allow for multiple stays within the validity period. For travelers who wish to visit Azerbaijan repeatedly—for example, for business purposes or recurring personal trips—this would be a significant improvement over the current system.

In addition, the list of nationalities eligible for both the electronic visa and the visa on arrival is set to be expanded. As a result, the number of travelers eligible for an e-visa for Azerbaijan is expected to increase in the coming years. Those whose nationalities are not currently eligible should keep an eye on developments, as the entry requirements may change.

In the long term, Azerbaijan also plans to introduce its own electronic visa subtype for digital nomads. This would be the country’s response to a growing trend that allows location-independent workers to stay in the country for extended periods without having to rely on a traditional work or residence visa. Details regarding the validity period, requirements, and application process for this new visa type are not yet available.

For travelers who are already planning a trip to Azerbaijan, it is advisable to check the currently valid entry requirements before booking, as the regulations will change gradually in the coming years. In addition to the e-visa, other visa types may be available depending on the purpose of your trip, such as a tourist visa for Azerbaijan or a business visa for Azerbaijan. If you are unsure which regulations currently apply to your nationality, you can seek assistance with your application to avoid errors and delays.