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Azerbaijan‘s outbound tourism is on the rise as more citizens seek international travel experiences. With higher disposable incomes and a growing middle class, Azerbaijanis are increasingly traveling abroad for leisure, education, and business purposes. Popular destinations include Turkey, Russia, and various European countries, largely due to cultural connections, geographic proximity, and favorable visa policies. This trend is shaped by factors such as economic conditions, currency exchange rates, and travel regulations. As Azerbaijan enhances its tourism infrastructure and global ties, outbound travel is anticipated to grow, fostering a more internationally connected Azerbaijani population.

In 2024, Azerbaijan saw approximately 3.8 million outbound departures, marking a notable increase from the previous year. This growth suggests a strong recovery, though it has not yet returned to the pre-pandemic high of nearly 5.6 million departures in 2019.

According to the 2024 Henley Passport Index, the Azerbaijani passport ranks 69th globally. This ranking is based on the number of destinations that Azerbaijani citizens can enter without a prior visa, which includes 71 countries that offer either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. This positioning highlights a moderate level of travel freedom for Azerbaijani passport holders, allowing relatively easier access to a variety of international destinations compared to some passports, though with more restrictions than those ranked higher.

The Henley Passport Index, which uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and research by Henley & Partners, is a key resource for evaluating the strength of passports worldwide in terms of mobility and travel freedom.

Economic impact & growth in Azerbaijan for outbound tourism

The growth of Azerbaijan’s outbound tourism has significantly impacted the economy, boosting the travel industry and supporting job creation. Azerbaijani tourists’ spending enhances both local and international economies. This tourism expansion helps diversify the nation’s economy, traditionally reliant on oil and gas, by promoting trade and cultural exchanges. It also fosters global connectivity and business opportunities, enabling Azerbaijani businesses to explore international markets. Additionally, remittances from citizens abroad bolster the local economy, while increased travel demand drives improvements in infrastructure and services, benefiting overall quality of life.

Booming Travel Bookings and New Visa Policies

Azerbaijan has recently experienced a surge in travel bookings, signaling a strong recovery in both outbound and inbound tourism. This growth is largely attributed to new visa policies that have made travel more accessible for Azerbaijani citizens and international visitors.

For Azerbaijani travelers, simplified visa procedures and the introduction of visa-free travel agreements with certain countries have facilitated more international trips. These changes have enabled Azerbaijani citizens to more easily explore destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, leading to a significant increase in outbound tourism.

For international visitors, Azerbaijan has introduced more efficient visa processes, including e-visas and visa-free entry for citizens of select countries. These initiatives have enhanced the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, resulting in higher bookings in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, upgrade travel services, and promote Azerbaijan’s cultural and natural attractions have also significantly contributed to this positive trend.

Visa-Free Countries

• Albania
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Armenia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Dominica
• Georgia
• Ecuador
• Grenada
• Haiti
• Iran
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Namibia
• Niue
• Russian Federation
• Serbia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• The Gambia
• Türkiye
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan

Visa on Arrival (VOA) Countries

• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoro Islands
• Djibouti
• Guinea-Bissau
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Macao (SAR China)
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Palau Islands
• Qatar
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Timor-Leste
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Zimbabwe

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Countries

Popular Destinations for Azerbaijani Travelers

Azerbaijani travelers frequently visit countries such as Turkey, Russia, and Georgia, making these destinations the most popular among outbound tourists from Azerbaijan. These countries are favored due to their close cultural and historical ties, geographic proximity, and convenient travel arrangements, including visa-free or simplified visa procedures. Additionally, European countries are also popular destinations, attracting visitors for leisure, business, and educational purposes. The diversity of destinations reflects a broad interest in exploring different cultures, conducting business, and engaging in educational opportunities.

Most visited countries By Azerbaijani Traveller’s

Turkey: A transcontinental country known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks like Hagia Sophia, and diverse landscapes.

Russia: The largest country by land area, famous for its vast landscapes, historic cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, and cultural richness.

Georgia: Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, ancient churches, and a rich tradition of winemaking.

Major Airports in Azerbaijani

Heydar Aliyev International Airport: Located in Baku, Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev International Airport is the country’s main international gateway and largest airport. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, offering connections to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport is named after Heydar Aliyev, a former President of Azerbaijan, and features modern facilities and amenities for travelers.

Gabala International Airport: Situated in the Gabala region of Azerbaijan, Gabala International Airport is a smaller airport serving domestic and regional flights. It provides convenient access to the scenic and tourist-rich areas of northern Azerbaijan, including the popular Gabala city, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Nakhchivan Airport: Located in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan Airport serves as a key transport link for this isolated region. The airport offers flights connecting Nakhchivan with other parts of Azerbaijan and neighboring countries, facilitating travel and economic activities in the region.

Airlines In Azerbaijani

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL): The national airline of Azerbaijan, AZAL offers flights to a wide array of destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, operating primarily from its hub at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku.

Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Turkey and one of the world’s largest airlines by destination network. Based in Istanbul, it operates flights to over 300 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Known for its high-quality service and extensive route network, Turkish Airlines connects Azerbaijan to numerous international destinations, often via its hub at Istanbul Airport.

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways is the national airline of Qatar, headquartered in Doha. Renowned for its luxury service and modern fleet, the airline serves over 160 destinations worldwide, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Qatar Airways connects passengers from Azerbaijan to its global network through its main hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Flydubai: Flydubai is a low-cost airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It offers affordable flights to over 90 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its budget-friendly services, Flydubai provides convenient travel options from Azerbaijan, often connecting through its hub at Dubai International Airport.

The outlook for Azerbaijani outbound tourism is promising, with growth expected to continue. This positive trend is supported by ongoing efforts to enhance international travel infrastructure, increase flight connectivity, and strengthen cultural and economic ties with key destination countries. As global travel norms evolve to incorporate new health and safety standards, Azerbaijani travelers are likely to continue seeking diverse and enriching experiences abroad.

Azerbaijani outbound tourism is a vibrant and expanding sector, driven by economic growth, cultural curiosity, and the pursuit of international experiences.