UAE and Azerbaijan implement mutual visa exemption agreement

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Azerbaijan has officially announced the implementation of a mutual visa exemption for UAE and Azerbaijani nationals, effective from today, July 8, 2023. This announcement was made through a tweet posted on the embassy’s official Twitter page.

The visa exemption agreement, first announced two months ago, has now come into effect, allowing citizens of both countries to travel to each other’s territory without the need for a visa. This significant step is expected to enhance tourism and foster cultural exchange between the UAE and Azerbaijan.

According to an announcement shared on the official Twitter account of the UAE embassy in Baku, it states: “Taking into account the efforts of the wise leadership and the distinguished relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan, from July 8, 2023, citizens of both countries are exempted from the visa regime, and they can stay in the territory of the other for up to 90 days.”

Previously, UAE citizens were able to travel to Azerbaijan without a prior visa, but instead, they were granted a visa on arrival, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days. On the other hand, Azerbaijani citizens were required to apply online for an e-visa before their travel to the UAE.

This agreement will enhance the ranking of the Azerbaijani passport, elevating it by one position to 80th place in the Guide Passport Index. Azerbaijani passport holders can now enjoy visa-free travel to 68 destinations worldwide, further facilitating their global mobility. Meanwhile, the visa exemption with Azerbaijan does not impact the privileged position of the UAE passport, which already grants visa-free access to numerous desirable destinations, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. The UAE passport remains highly regarded and offers its holders unparalleled travel opportunities.

In addition to the visa-free access that UAE citizens are granted, UAE residents also have the opportunity to travel visa-free to Azerbaijan. However, upon arrival, UAE residents will need to obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. It is important to note that UAE residents should ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of at least 123 days upon arrival. Additionally, their UAE residence permits must be valid for at least 183 days to be eligible for the visa on arrival in Azerbaijan.

This mutual visa exemption agreement marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan, fostering closer ties and facilitating travel for citizens of both countries.