
Azerbaijan sits right where Eastern Europe meets Western Asia, on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. From Costa Rica it is a long way to go, but a rewarding one. Most people base themselves in the capital, Baku, where a UNESCO-listed old town sits next to striking modern towers, and the country is a natural gateway into the wider Caucasus.
Before the trip itself, there is the visa to sort, and it is more straightforward than you might expect. This guide runs through what Costa Rican passport holders need to get in, how to reach Baku, and the small practical things that make the first day or two easier once you land.

Do Costa Rican 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 Costa Rica
Almost everyone flies into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. There are no direct flights from Costa Rica, so the trip usually runs through a hub in Europe or the Middle East, and the total travel time comes to roughly 18 to 22 hours once you count the connections. Routes and timings shift with the seasons, so it is worth comparing a few current schedules when you book.
Azerbaijan runs on a single time zone, AZT (UTC+4), which is ten hours ahead of Costa Rica. That is a big gap, and paired with the long journey it is worth giving yourself a day or two to adjust once you land.
Practical tips for Costa Rican travellers
The local currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Cards work fine in most hotels, restaurants and shops around Baku, though it is worth keeping some cash on you for smaller towns and markets. The easiest approach is to withdraw manat from an ATM once you arrive, or change a widely traded currency at banks and exchange offices in the city.
Because the journey is long and involves connections, give yourself comfortable layover times and keep your passport, eVisa confirmation and onward travel details somewhere easy to reach. For an ordinary tourist trip, the online eVisa is all most visitors need, so it is best to sort it before you leave home.
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 Costa Rican citizens need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?
How long can Costa Rican passport holders stay in Azerbaijan?
How long is the flight from Costa Rica to Azerbaijan?
What is the time difference between Costa Rica and Azerbaijan?
What currency should I use in Azerbaijan?
Does my passport need to be valid for a certain time to visit Azerbaijan?
See other eligible countries
More than 90 nationalities can get an Azerbaijan eVisa. Browse the guides to find the one for your country: