Azerbaijan sits right where Eastern Europe meets Western Asia, on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, and for travellers from Japan it makes a natural gateway into the Caucasus. Most people base themselves in the capital, Baku, where a UNESCO-listed walled old town sits next to striking contemporary architecture, with the wider landscapes of the region opening up beyond.
Before the trip itself, there is the visa to sort, and it is more straightforward than you might expect. This guide runs through what Japanese 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 Japanese 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 stays 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 Japan
Almost everyone flies into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. There are usually no direct flights from Japan, so plan on one connection through a hub in the Middle East, Europe or Central Asia. With the layover, the whole journey typically runs around 13 to 16 hours, though it varies with your route. Routes and carriers change with the seasons, so it is worth comparing current schedules when you book.
Azerbaijan keeps a single time zone, AZT (UTC+4), with no daylight saving, which leaves it five hours behind Japan Standard Time. Since the trip usually runs through a connection, give yourself time for the transfer and expect a bit of jet lag in either direction.
Practical tips for Japanese 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 some cash on you for smaller towns and markets. You can withdraw manat from an ATM once you arrive, or change money at banks and exchange offices.
For an ordinary tourist trip, the online eVisa is all most visitors need. Anything that falls outside it, a longer stay, certain work or study trips, or replacing a lost passport, is handled by Azerbaijan diplomatic missions, so check the current details for your situation before you travel.
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 Japanese citizens need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?
How long can Japanese passport holders stay in Azerbaijan?
How do I get from Japan to Azerbaijan?
What is the time difference between Japan and Azerbaijan?
What currency should I use in Azerbaijan?
How long is my passport valid for the eVisa?
See other eligible countries
More than 90 nationalities can get an Azerbaijan eVisa. Browse the guides to find the one for your country:
