The border between Azerbaijan and Iran is closed. But British nationals might be able to cross at the Astara border crossing with special authorisation from the Government of Azerbaijan, which must be facilitated by the British Embassy in Baku. British nationals seeking entry into Azerbaijan should contact the FCDO before travelling to the border crossing at Astara, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative. Other border crossings to Azerbaijan remain closed. British nationals will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, passport information). The British Embassy will provide confirmation and a code from the Azerbaijani authorities. This can take several weeks. You should not travel to the border until you have received confirmation. You will need to show the code before crossing. You will also need to apply for a visa through the normal process. See ‘applying for a visa’. If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk. In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you. Read more FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad. You must have a visa to visit Azerbaijan. Applying for a visa You can apply and pay for a visa from the ASAN Visa (e-visa) service. Apply at least 3 days in advance. An urgent 3-hour service is available for an additional fee. E-visas are normally single entry and allow a 30-day visit within a 90-day period of validity. You must print out the e-visa and bring it with your passport to show on arrival. Officials will check that your passport is valid for 3 months after the visa expiry date. This means your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Azerbaijan. For other types of visas, such as a business visa or a work permit, contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK at least one month before your travel date. FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 If you are travelling to Azerbaijan for the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026, simplified visa arrangements are in place from 22 September to 5 November 2026. Eligible travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at Azerbaijan’s international airports. You must have either an official invitation letter from the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) or confirmation of accreditation through FIFA’s electronic registration system. Travelling on a UK Emergency Travel Document Azerbaijan accepts UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) for entry and must be accompanied by a visa to enter Azerbaijan. You cannot use a UK ETD to apply for an Azerbaijani e-visa, as the e-visa system does not recognise ETDs as eligible travel documents. If you are travelling on a UK ETD, you must apply for a visa directly through an Azerbaijani embassy before you travel. Contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the country where you are applying for advice on the application process and processing times. Extending your visa You can extend your 30 days by applying to the State Migration Service at least 3 days before the end of the permitted stay. If you overstay your visa without permission, you may have to leave the country within 48 hours. Contact the State Migration Service as soon as possible. They can issue a letter giving you permission to leave. You will have to pay a fine of 300 to 400 Azerbaijani manat. Make sure you get a receipt as proof of payment. If you are in Azerbaijan, you can also call the Migration Information Centre on 919. Registering with the authorities If you’re staying in Azerbaijan for longer than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service online or in person. If you do not register you will have to pay a fine to the State Migration Service before you are able to leave the country. Hotels often provide this service for their guests, but you must do it yourself if you are staying in an apartment or private residence. If you are travelling to Azerbaijan for the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026, simplified visa arrangements are in place from 22 September to 5 November 2026. Eligible travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at Azerbaijan’s international airports. You must have either an official invitation letter from the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) or confirmation of accreditation through FIFA’s electronic registration system. Azerbaijan accepts UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) for entry and must be accompanied by a visa to enter Azerbaijan. You cannot use a UK ETD to apply for an Azerbaijani e-visa, as the e-visa system does not recognise ETDs as eligible travel documents. If you are travelling on a UK ETD, you must apply for a visa directly through an Azerbaijani embassy before you travel. Contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the country where you are applying for advice on the application process and processing times. New information about entry requirements for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 and travelling on a UK Emergency Travel Document to Azerbaijan. Updated information about visa requirements and entering Azerbaijan across the land border from Iran.