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 the United Kingdom 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 towers, and it is a single flight from London with only a modest time difference to adjust to.
This guide runs through what British 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 British 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 the United Kingdom
Almost everyone flies into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. There are both direct and one-stop services between London and Baku, and a direct flight takes roughly six to seven hours. From other major UK cities you can usually get there with one change. Routes and carriers 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), and does not shift its clocks for daylight saving. The UK clocks do change through the year, so Baku is four hours ahead in winter and three hours ahead during British Summer Time. Between the short flight and the small gap, jet lag is usually very mild whichever way you are travelling.
Practical tips for British 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.
If something falls outside what the eVisa covers, a longer stay, certain work or study trips, or replacing a lost passport, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in London is the place to go. 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.
