IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Azerbaijan has announced an electronic visa system for nationals of 81 countries to apply online and receive their visitor visas within three working days. The visa is valid for 30 days and the government fee is US$20.

What does the change mean? The “ASAN” visa system will speed processing and allow eligible nationals to avoid applying through an embassy or consulate.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 10.
  • Visas/permits affected: E-visas.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of the 81 designated countries applying for visitor visas.
  • Impact on processing times: The processing of e-visas is expected to take three business days.
  • Business impact: The e-visa system will provide a convenience to business travelers who will enjoy the same rights on e-visas as they would on business visas.

Next steps: Additional details are available on the government’s e-visa website.

Background: E-visas will be valid for 30-day stays and may be used for business trips. Nationals of the following 81 countries are eligible:

Albania Algeria Andorra Argentina Australia Austria Bahrain Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile China Costa Rica
Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France
Germany Greece  Guatemala  Holy See (Vatican City)  Hungary Iceland  India  Indonesia
Iran Ireland Israel  Italy  Japan  Jordan  Kuwait Latvia
 Liechtenstein  Lithuania  Luxembourg  Macedonia  Malaysia  Malta  Mexico  Monaco
 Mongolia  Montenegro  Morocco  Nepal  Netherlands  New Zealand Norway  Oman
 Pakistan  Panama  Poland  Portugal Qatar  Romania  San Marino  Saudi Arabia
Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa  Spain Sri Lanka Sweden
Switzerland Thailand Turkey Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Vietnam

BAL Analysis: The e-visa system is consistent with a worldwide trend toward online visa applications for short-term visitor visas. While business activities are allowed on the Azerbaijan e-visas, travelers are reminded that productive work activities are not permitted and would require a work permit.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Azerbaijan. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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