Azerbaijan sits right where Eastern Europe meets Western Asia, on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, and from Norway it is a change of scene within reach of a single connecting flight. Most people base themselves in the capital, Baku, where a UNESCO-listed old town sits next to bold modern towers, with a landscape beyond the city that runs from the Caspian coast up to the peaks of the Greater Caucasus.
This guide runs through what Norwegian 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 Norwegian 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 Norway
Almost everyone flies into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. There are usually no direct flights from Norway, so the trip generally means one stop at a European or regional hub, and somewhere around six to eight hours in total depending on the connection you pick. Routes and schedules 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), with no daylight saving, so it sits three hours ahead of Norway in winter and two hours ahead through the part of the year when Norway is on summer time. Either way the gap is small enough that you will barely need to adjust when you land.
Practical tips for Norwegian 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.
It helps to keep both digital and printed copies of your eVisa and passport photo page, and bear in mind that the eVisa is for ordinary tourism rather than work or study. There is no resident Azerbaijan embassy in Norway, so for anything that falls outside the eVisa, like a longer stay or replacing a lost passport, get in touch with your nearest Azerbaijani diplomatic mission 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 Norwegian citizens need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?
How long can Norwegian passport holders stay in Azerbaijan?
How long is the flight from Norway to Azerbaijan?
What is the time difference between Norway and Azerbaijan?
What currency should I use in Azerbaijan?
How long does my passport need to be valid for Azerbaijan?
See other eligible countries
More than 90 nationalities can get an Azerbaijan eVisa. Browse the guides to find the one for your country:
