Azerbaijan sits right where Eastern Europe meets Western Asia, on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. For travellers from Malta it makes a natural gateway into the Caucasus: the journey east is manageable, the time difference is modest, and the capital, Baku, pairs a UNESCO-listed old town with striking modern architecture.
This guide runs through what Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Malta
Almost everyone flies into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. There are usually no direct flights from Malta, so the trip means one stop, often through a hub in Europe or the Gulf, and somewhere around seven to nine hours door to door depending on the connection. Routes and timings shift with the seasons, so it is worth comparing a few current options when you book.
Once you are there, the clocks are easy. Azerbaijan runs on a single time zone, AZT (UTC+4), which is three hours ahead of Malta. It is a small enough gap that jet lag is rarely a problem whichever way you are travelling.
Practical tips for Maltese 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 the markets. You can change money at banks and exchange offices, or simply withdraw manat from an ATM once you arrive.
For an ordinary tourist trip, the online eVisa is all most people need. If something falls outside what the eVisa covers, such as a longer stay or certain work or study trips, that goes through Azerbaijan's diplomatic missions, and it is worth confirming the current requirements well 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 Maltese citizens need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?
How long can Maltese passport holders stay in Azerbaijan?
How long is the flight from Malta to Azerbaijan?
What is the time difference between Malta and Azerbaijan?
What currency should I use in Azerbaijan?
How long must my passport be valid to enter Azerbaijan?
See other eligible countries
More than 90 nationalities can get an Azerbaijan eVisa. Browse the guides to find the one for your country:
