If Azerbaijan is on your radar, it is well worth the trip. It sits right where Eastern Europe meets Western Asia, on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, and for travellers from China it is a natural gateway into the Caucasus. Most people base themselves in the capital, Baku, where a UNESCO-listed old town sits next to striking modern architecture along the seafront.
Before the trip itself, there is the visa to sort, and it is more straightforward than you might expect. This guide runs through what Chinese passport holders need to get in, how to get there, and the practical details that make the trip smoother once you arrive.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Azerbaijan?
Yes, you will need one, but it is a simple process for most trips. If you are travelling as a tourist, the easiest route is the electronic visa (eVisa), which you apply for online before you fly, so there is no embassy visit and nothing to post. It is a single-entry visa, and it lets you stay for up to 30 days within a 90-day period.
To apply, you will want a passport that is valid for at least six months from the day you arrive, a clear scan of its photo page, and your travel and accommodation details to hand. The full checklist and the step-by-step are in the requirements guide, so it is worth a quick look before you start.
Getting to Azerbaijan from China
Almost everyone flies into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. Both direct and one-stop services connect major Chinese cities with Baku, though routes and schedules shift with the seasons. A direct flight from Beijing takes roughly 8 to 9 hours, while a one-stop routing from other cities will usually take longer, so it is worth comparing a few current options when you plan your trip.
Once you are there, the clocks are simple. Azerbaijan runs on a single time zone, AZT (UTC+4), which is four hours behind China Standard Time. After a longer flight, give yourself a little time to adjust to the difference.
Practical tips for Chinese travellers
The local currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Cards work fine in most hotels, restaurants and shops around Baku, but it is worth keeping a bit of cash on you for smaller towns and markets. You can change money at banks and exchange offices, or simply withdraw manat from an ATM once you arrive.
If something falls outside what the eVisa covers, like a longer stay, certain work or study trips, or replacing a lost passport, you would deal with the relevant Azerbaijani diplomatic mission. For an ordinary tourist trip, though, the online eVisa is all most people need.
What to see in Azerbaijan
From the walled Old City and Flame Towers of Baku to the Silk Road towns and mountain villages of the Caucasus, there is plenty to fill a long weekend or a full week. Our Azerbaijan travel guide covers the regions, food, and practical advice for getting around.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?
How long can Chinese passport holders stay in Azerbaijan?
How do I get from China to Azerbaijan?
What is the time difference between China and Azerbaijan?
What currency should I use in Azerbaijan?
What passport validity do I need for the Azerbaijan eVisa?
See other eligible countries
More than 90 nationalities can get an Azerbaijan eVisa. Browse the guides to find the one for your country:
