The Land of Fire awaits – Everything you need to know about travelling from UAE to Azerbaijan
Contemplating your travel plans for this year? Definitely consider adding Azerbaijan to your list of destinations! Why? Because travelling from UAE to Azerbaijan is super simple and will be worth every dirham you spend on it. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Azerbaijan.
WHY VISIT AZERBAIJAN?
Azerbaijan, or the Land of Fire as it’s fondly called by the locals, is a former Soviet state bordered by Russia in the north, Georgia in the north-west, Armenia on the west and Iran in the south. The eastern borders of the country are surrounded by the Caspian Sea.
When it comes to tourism, Azerbaijan has plenty to offer. From the encapsulated history of the Fire Temple and the preserved old charm of Sheki City, to the mud volcanoes in Gobustan National Park and the intriguing balance between the traditional and modern in Baku City – visitors are spoilt for choice.
The country makes an excellent travel destination for anyone who loves architecture, history, nature, food and exploration. Travelling from the UAE to Azerbaijan can be done all year round. The flight lasts barely three hours, which means you can even consider it for a weekend getaway. But the best part is that Azerbaijan visa for UAE residents and nationals is available on arrival!
Oh…and did we mention that the food is cheap and delicious?!
DO UAE RESIDENTS NEED A VISA FOR AZERBAIJAN?
Azerbaijan is one of the visa-free countries for UAE residents and locals, which offers visa on arrival.
Depending on your passport, when travelling from UAE to Azerbaijan, it is recommended that you pre-apply for the Azerbaijan Asan Visa online to save time. The Asan Visa is an e-visa offered to 94 countries across the globe. However, due to COVID-19, restrictions have been placed on some countries.
For passport holders of eligible countries, it is mandatory to submit the Azerbaijan e-visa application a minimum of 3 days prior to the expected date of arrival.
The single-entry Azerbaijan visa for UAE residents and citizens is valid for up to 30 days of stay. The cost of applying for Azerbaijan visa on arrival is USD 26, which rounds up to around AED 96.
THE COVID-19 PROTOCOL FOR TRAVELLING FROM UAE TO AZERBAIJAN
According to the official sources, the following are the COVID-19 related requirements for a trip to Azerbaijan:
- Travellers must be fully vaccinated, with the last vaccination received at least 2 weeks before the intended travel date.
- They must have a verifiable (with QR code) vaccination certificate.
- A negative result on PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before travel.
There are no exemptions to these rules, except for children less than a year old.
TICKETS
Emirates, along with budget airlines in the UAE like flydubai and Air Arabia, operate direct flights from UAE to Azerbaijan. Most of these airlines also offer Azerbaijan holiday packages from UAE.
The ticket prices for UAE to Azerbaijan flights depend on the airline you choose and the season you’re travelling in. Travelling from UAE to Azerbaijan is relatively expensive during UAE national holidays and school breaks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT FROM UAE TO AZERBAIJAN?
Direct flights from UAE to Azerbaijan are approximately 3 hours long.
BESIDES BAKU, WHAT OTHER CITIES CAN I VISIT IN AZERBAIJAN?
While Baku is the most popular destination for people travelling to Azerbaijan from the UAE, there are a bunch of other cities that are worth visiting. The old city of Sheki (Şəki), is a place preserved in history with buildings and architecture dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The city of Gabala (Qəbələ) on the other hand, is more scenic with plenty of natural beauty and fun activities to indulge in. Gabala is also home to the Tufandag Mountain Resort, where you can go skiing in the winters. Besides that, you can visit cities like Quba, Shamakhi or just take dedicated tours of the vineyards and orchards in the country.
IS AZERBAIJAN EXPENSIVE?
In terms of food, shopping and getting around, Azerbaijan is not expensive. You can easily get a filling meal for under AZN 12. Commute via Bolt will cost you around AZN 7 to 10 for regular trips – even with traffic jams. Consumer brands in Azerbaijan are usually priced cheaper than they cost here in the UAE.
HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF MY TRIP TO AZERBAIJAN?
Here are some tips that can make your UAE Azerbaijan travel hassle-free and memorable:
- Download the Bolt ride sharing app on your phones before you travel. It will save you a lot of money on your journeys around the country.
- Before travelling from UAE to Azerbaijan, make sure you check the weather forecast for your destination. That way, you’ll know the type of clothes and accessories you need to pack.
- If you’re spending most of your trip in Baku, make sure you pack a windbreaker with you. The strong gales in the City of Winds may surprise you!
- It’s best to book your hotel stays around the city centre. It ensures you are in close proximity to all the notable attractions.
- For out of city tours, hiring a guide is a good idea.
- Traffic can be a hindrance when you are on a tight schedule, so make sure you allow extra time for traffic jams and rush hours.
- While most places accept cards for payment, it’s always best to keep some cash in hand.
That’s all we have for you now about travelling from UAE to Azerbaijan. It’s a great place to visit when you need a simple and wholesome escape from your everyday UAE life.
With 2022 just rounding up its first month, this is a good time to start planning your holidays for the year. Here’s a lowdown of all the UAE public holidays in 2022 that you can plan your vacations around.
If you’re looking for more destination options, a trip to Georgia from the UAE is just as hassle-free and rewarding as the one to Azerbaijan. For those of you more interested in a Mediterranean vacation, travelling to Greece from the UAE is a good option. Those on a smaller budget can travel to Armenia from the UAE.
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