Silly me – as a travel blogger and very seasoned globetrotter, I almost ruined my trip to Azerbaijan because I didn’t know their visa policy!
I flew from London to Tbilisi a few days ago, and then from Tbilisi to Baku today. I didn’t need a visa for Georgia, and was under the impression that Azerbaijan had a generous visa-free policy (for example to Chinese citizens), so I just took it for granted that UK passport would grant me entry to the country smoothly.
That’s why I was so shocked when the lady from Azerbaijan Airlines broke the bad news at Tbilisi airport. Fortunately I arrived early enough, and Azerbaijan has an e-visa system where you could pay $70 for an urgent 3-hour service.
Azerbaijan Airlines was kind enough to let me check in and board the plane without having a confirmed visa. Thankfully the e-visa arrived into my mailbox when the flight landed in Baku, taking exactly three hours.
Immigration was very quick and they didn’t even ask for my visa, maybe because they could see it on the screen already. Lesson learned: I should double check the entry requirement before visiting any country!
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