Azerbaijan has announced a further extension of the "special quarantine regime" imposed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, thus maintaining the closure of its land borders until at least January 2026. This decision, formalized by a decree by Prime Minister Ali Asadov and relayed by the state news agency Azertac, comes despite the lifting of most other health measures in the country.
According to the authorities, no specific justification has been provided other than the desire to "prevent the spread" of COVID-19 and to anticipate "potential complications". Other pandemic-related restrictions, such as the requirement to wear a mask or present vaccination certificates, have been removed.
Rules for entering the Republic of Azerbaijan
Domestic and foreign travellers can now enter Azerbaijan freely by air.No PCR test or proof of vaccination is required. Since March 28, 2023, it has not been possible to enter or leave the country by land, except with the authorization of the Working Group under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The authorities specify that foreign travelers and stateless persons may leave the territory by land, without authorization.
Electronic visa (e-Visa)
ASAN Viza is an electronic visa system set up by the Azerbaijani government to facilitate the process of applying for and obtaining visas for foreign tourists wishing to visit the country, for a variety of travel reasons (tourism, visit to acquaintances, business, voluntary work, conference, event, medical). The ASAN Viza is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. authorizes a 30-day stay in Azerbaijan. Nationals of European, American and Asian countries are eligible for this administrative travel formality.
What impact will this have on the country?
Trade continues to be conducted overland, notably with Georgia, Russia, Iran and Turkey. A notable exception is the enclave of Nakhchivan, from which it is still possible to cross over to Turkey by land.
This policy of prolonged closure comes at a time when the World Health Organization has declared the end of the global health emergency linked to COVID-19 in May 2023, and most states have since lifted their own restrictions. Several activists denounce the financial burden of this measure on the population, particularly for citizens who cannot afford to buy plane tickets to leave the country. Some observers go further, accusing President Ilham Aliyev's family of profiting from the continued closure, thanks to revenues generated by the national airline, Azerbaijan Airlines.
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