Azernews.Az

BAKU – Regulations on the issuance of entry visas to expatriates have been simplified in Azerbaijan, according to the changes to the country’s laws approved in parliament on Friday.

Ali Huseynli, head of the parliamentary committee on legal policy and state building, said the amendments will make it easier for foreign nationals to obtain visas through travel agencies. Also, the Azerbaijani government will soon begin the issuance of electronic visas.

"The main advantage here is that such visas can be issued both through regular mail and electronically," Huseynli said. "If the visa is denied, the main reasons for this have to be cited."

Expatriates are required to indicate the purpose of their visit and the duration of stay in the applications submitted to the Azerbaijani embassies or consulates in their home country or other countries.

Tourists’ applications are to be reviewed within 15 work-days. The check-list of required documents and the application form will be posted on the Azerbaijani diplomatic missions’ websites, which will also indicate the amount of the visa issuance fee.

Foreign citizens will be allowed to stay in Azerbaijan for 30 days. The term of the visa could be extended only in case of force majeur, such as illness, treatment or death of immediate family members.