Find detailed information about Azerbaijan’s border crossings. This guide covers entry options by land, air and sea, border crossing points with neighboring countries, visa regulations, and essential requirements for travelers. It brings together up-to-date travel information for 2026 to help foreign visitors plan their trip to Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. It shares borders with Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, and Iran to the south. It also borders Turkey through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Azerbaijan additionally shares a land border with Armenia.
Thanks to its geographical location, Azerbaijan is one of the key transport and tourism hubs in the Caucasus region. The country can be reached by air, rail and sea. However, due to the special border regime in force, certain restrictions apply to entry by land.
For foreign tourists planning to visit Azerbaijan, this guide brings together essential information about the current status of border crossings, international airports, railway connections with Georgia, travel options across the Caspian Sea and entry regulations.
1. The Status of Azerbaijan’s Land Borders in 2026
A special quarantine and border regime is in force in Azerbaijan. Under this regime, entry into Azerbaijan by land from neighbouring countries is restricted for ordinary foreign tourists.
However, there is an important distinction between the rules for entering and leaving the country.
Entering Azerbaijan by Land
As a general rule, foreign tourists cannot enter Azerbaijan from neighbouring countries by private car, bus or on foot.
Entry may be possible for individuals holding special permits or belonging to specific exempt categories. However, these exceptions do not generally apply to ordinary tourist visits.
Leaving Azerbaijan by Land
Foreign nationals and stateless persons may leave Azerbaijan through its land border crossing points, provided they comply with the applicable border and migration regulations. In general, no special entry permit is required to leave the country.
For example, a tourist may arrive in Baku by plane and then continue their journey to Georgia by land.
Azerbaijan–Georgia Railway Connection
Passenger railway services between Azerbaijan and Georgia were restored on 25 May 2026.
Travel on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku railway route is available to the following categories of passengers:
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Citizens of Azerbaijan;
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Foreign nationals who are eligible to enter Azerbaijan visa-free.
Foreign nationals travelling to Azerbaijan with an electronic visa (e-Visa) are not included in this exemption.
Before travelling, passengers should also check the applicable visa and border requirements for entering Georgia.
2. Azerbaijan’s Main Land Border Crossing Points
Azerbaijan has several official border crossing points with neighbouring countries. However, their availability for passenger travel depends on the special border regime currently in force.
Azerbaijan–Georgia Border
Georgia is one of Azerbaijan’s neighbouring countries and an important destination for tourists travelling throughout the Caucasus region.
The main border crossing points include:
Red Bridge (Sınıq Körpü)
Located in the Gazakh District, this crossing is one of the main road connections between Azerbaijan and Georgia. It plays an important role in the Baku–Tbilisi transport corridor.
Mazımqara (Balakan–Lagodekhi Route)
Located in northwestern Azerbaijan, this crossing connects the Balakan region with Georgia’s Kakheti region.
Böyük Kəsik
Located in the Agstafa District, Böyük Kəsik is an important railway border crossing connecting the railway networks of Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The Baku–Tbilisi passenger train operates along this route. Passengers must have the appropriate entry authorisation to make the journey.
Azerbaijan–Russia Border
Azerbaijan shares its northern border with the Republic of Dagestan, which is part of the Russian Federation.
The main border crossing points include:
Samur (Yarag-Kazmalar)
Located in the Gusar District, this is one of the main road border crossings between Azerbaijan and Russia.
Khanoba
Located in northern Azerbaijan, the Khanoba border crossing is particularly important for freight transport and transport infrastructure.
Yalama
The Yalama railway border crossing connects Azerbaijan with Russia’s railway network.
Under the current special regime, ordinary tourists are restricted from entering Azerbaijan by land from Russia.
Azerbaijan–Turkey Border (Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic)
A direct land connection between Azerbaijan and Turkey is established through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Sadarak–Dilucu Border Crossing
Located near the Araz River, this crossing connects Nakhchivan with Turkey’s Iğdır Province.
This route is of particular strategic importance for transport links between Azerbaijan and Turkey. However, under the current land border regime, ordinary tourists should confirm in advance whether entry into Azerbaijan through this crossing is permitted.
Azerbaijan–Iran Border
Azerbaijan shares its southern border with Iran. Several road and railway crossings operate along this border.
Astara
Located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, Astara is an important international transport and trade hub between Azerbaijan and Iran.
Bilasuvar
The Bilasuvar border crossing is one of the main road connections linking Azerbaijan’s southern region with Iran.
Julfa
Located in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Julfa is an important connection point with Iran for both railway and road transport.
Shakhtakhti–Poldasht
This crossing connects the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with Iran’s Poldasht region across the Araz River.
It is important to note that the existence of these border crossings does not necessarily mean they are open to ordinary foreign tourists entering Azerbaijan.
3. International Airports in Azerbaijan
Under the current border regime, air travel is the most convenient and reliable way for foreign tourists to enter Azerbaijan.
International and regional airports operate in different parts of the country.
Heydar Aliyev International Airport – Baku (GYD)
Located in Baku, Heydar Aliyev International Airport is Azerbaijan’s main international aviation hub.
The airport provides air connections with numerous cities across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Most tourists planning to visit Azerbaijan’s mountainous regions, particularly Guba, Gusar, Shahdag, Khinalig and other destinations, begin their journeys in Baku.
Ganja International Airport (GNJ)
Ganja International Airport serves the western region of Azerbaijan. It provides convenient transport options for tourists visiting Ganja and the surrounding areas.
Nakhchivan International Airport (NAJ)
This is the main air transport gateway to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and plays an important role for passengers travelling to the region.
Gabala International Airport (GBB)
This airport serves Gabala and the surrounding tourist regions. It offers a convenient regional transport option for visitors interested in mountain scenery, nature tourism and outdoor activities.
Lankaran International Airport (LLK)
Lankaran Airport serves the southern region of Azerbaijan. This area is known for its subtropical climate, forests and rich cultural heritage.
Other Regional Airports
Airports are also located in Zagatala, Fuzuli and Zangilan.
However, an airport having international status does not necessarily mean that regular international passenger flights operate there. Travellers are advised to check current flight schedules and airline routes before their journey.
4. Travelling to Azerbaijan Across the Caspian Sea
Azerbaijan has maritime transport connections with Central Asian countries across the Caspian Sea.
Baku International Sea Trade Port
Baku International Sea Trade Port is located in the settlement of Alat, approximately 70 kilometres south of Baku.
The port provides transport connections across the Caspian Sea with the following countries:
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Kazakhstan – the ports of Aktau and Kuryk;
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Turkmenistan – the Port of Turkmenbashi.
Ferries and cargo vessels operate on these routes.
Although passenger transport across the Caspian Sea may be available on certain sailings, these services do not operate according to a fixed schedule like regular passenger ferries.
Departure times, passenger availability, documentation requirements and weather conditions should be confirmed in advance with the port or ferry operator.
5. Visa Requirements for Travelling to Azerbaijan
Before travelling to Azerbaijan, foreign tourists should check the visa requirements applicable to their nationality.
Citizens of some countries can enter Azerbaijan visa-free, while citizens of other countries must obtain a visa before travelling.
ASAN Visa – Electronic Visa
Foreign nationals who are eligible to obtain an electronic visa can submit their applications through Azerbaijan’s official ASAN Visa portal:
As a general rule, a standard electronic visa allows a single entry into Azerbaijan and a stay of up to 30 days.
Visa conditions may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa issued.
Before travelling, it is important to check the visa validity period, number of permitted entries and the maximum length of stay.
6. Registration Requirements for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals and stateless persons planning to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must register their place of stay with the State Migration Service.
For citizens of Kazakhstan, this period is 30 days.
Registration can be completed through the following channels:
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Through hotels and guesthouses;
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By an application submitted by the owner of a private house or apartment;
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Through the State Migration Service’s online services;
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At ASAN Service centres.
The registration process is free of charge.
If you plan to stay at several different accommodation addresses, make sure your registration details are kept up to date. If you change your address, you should also check the registration requirements for your new place of stay.
Official information:https://migration.gov.az/
7. Customs Regulations and Currency Declaration
Tourists travelling to Azerbaijan should be aware of customs regulations when bringing money and personal belongings into the country.
Bringing Foreign Cash into Azerbaijan
There is no general fixed limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Azerbaijan. However, a customs declaration may be required in certain circumstances.
Taking Foreign Cash Out of Azerbaijan
Different rules apply to taking foreign currency in cash out of the country.
As a general rule:
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Amounts of up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 may be taken out of the country through oral declaration.
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Amounts between the equivalent of USD 10,000 and USD 50,000 may be taken out based on a written declaration and customs documents confirming that the money was previously brought into the country.
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Additional restrictions apply to amounts exceeding the equivalent of USD 50,000. The transfer of funds through authorised banks or the national postal operator may be required.
Tourists carrying large amounts of cash should confirm the latest requirements with the State Customs Committee before travelling.
Official information:https://customs.gov.az/
8. Practical Travel Tips for Foreign Tourists
When planning your trip to Azerbaijan, keep the following points in mind:
1. Choose your entry route carefully.
Air travel is currently the most convenient option for foreign visitors travelling to Azerbaijan for tourism purposes. If you are eligible to use the railway exemption, you may also consider travelling by train between Baku and Tbilisi.
2. Check visa requirements in advance.
Visa-free entry conditions vary depending on nationality. If required, obtain your electronic visa before travelling.
3. Do not rely on entering Azerbaijan through a land border without confirmation.
Although Azerbaijan has several international land border crossing points, their existence does not mean that tourists are permitted to enter the country by land.
4. Plan your onward journey to Georgia.
Passenger train services between Baku and Tbilisi have been restored. Check ticket availability, train schedules and passenger eligibility requirements in advance.
5. Remember to register your place of stay.
If the duration of your stay in Azerbaijan requires registration, make sure that your hotel or accommodation provider completes the necessary procedure.
6. Confirm Caspian Sea ferry services in advance.
Ferry departures may depend on weather and technical conditions. Do not base your travel plans on an unconfirmed departure date.
7. Follow official sources.
Border regulations may change. Before travelling, check the latest information published by relevant government authorities, airlines and transport operators.
9. Useful Official Websites
You can use the following official resources to obtain up-to-date information about travelling to Azerbaijan:
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan:https://mfa.gov.az/
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State Migration Service:https://migration.gov.az/
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State Customs Committee:https://customs.gov.az/
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ASAN Visa:https://evisa.gov.az/
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Azerbaijan Railways:https://ady.az/
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Azerbaijan Tourism Board:https://azerbaijan.travel/
