Tourism in Azerbaijan: A Rising Travel Destination
Tourism in Azerbaijan has been an important sector of the Azerbaijani economy since the 1990s. According to Azerbaijan‘s Center for Economic and Social Development, the country is in 39th place[1] among 148 countries in tourism competitiveness indicators. The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that Azerbaijan is among the top ten countries with the greatest increase in visitor exports from 2010 to 2016. The country had the world’s fastest-developing travel and tourism economy (a 46.1% increase) in 2017.[2][3] To promote tourism, Azerbaijan sponsored Atlético Madrid jerseys reading “Azerbaijan – Land of Fire“. In 2018, a new tourism brand and a slogan “take another look” were introduced.[4]
Visas
Main article: Visa policy of Azerbaijan
Tourist visas can be obtained from an Azerbaijani embassy or electronically online without an embassy visit. In 2016, a tax-free shopping system was introduced to attract foreign shoppers. Purchases must be made up to 90 days before export to be eligible for the tax refund.
In January 2017, Azerbaijan introduced its electronic visa for a single-entry visit of up to 30 days.[5] The e-visa[6] is available to tourists from 93 countries, who can apply on the e-visa website.[7][8] A visa is not required for citizens of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan and Armenia) who intend to visit Azerbaijan within 90 days.
Due to a state of war with Armenia,[9] the government of Azerbaijan has banned the entry of citizens from Armenia, as well as citizens of any other country who are of Armenian descent (including Armenian Russians, Turkish Armenians, etc.),[10] to the Republic of Azerbaijan.[11]
Statistics (Tourism in Azerbaijan)
 |
 |
Over 1.4 million tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2008. In 2017, a record-high number of 2,691,998 foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan.[15] Visitors to the country in 2017 came from the following countries:[16]
| Country | Number |
|---|---|
| Russia | 853,082 |
| Georgia | 537,710 |
| Iran | 362,597 |
| Turkey | 301,553 |
| United Arab Emirates | 102,360 |
| Iraq | 62,454 |
| Ukraine | 57,756 |
| Saudi Arabia | 33,273 |
| Kazakhstan | 31,994 |
| United Kingdom | 29,514 |
| Uzbekistan | 16,093 |
| Germany | 13,042 |
| Belarus | 12,320 |
| United States | 12,291 |
| Israel | 10,814 |
| Italy | 8,654 |
| Turkmenistan | 7,637 |
| Saudi Arabia | 7,463 |
| China | 7,363 |
| India | 6,012 |
| France | 5,785 |
| Total | 2,691,998 |
| Year | Number |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 900,000 |
| 2007 | 1,100,000 |
| 2008 | 1,400,000 |
| 2009 (9 months) | 1,000,988 |
| 2010 | 1,850,000 |
| 2011 | 2,239,000 |
| 2012 | 2,484,048 |
| 2013 | 2,508,904 |
| 2014 | 2,297,804 |
| 2015 | 2,006,176 |
| 2016 | 2,242,783 |
| 2017 | 2,691,998 |
| 2018 | 2,849,600 |
| 2019 | 3,170,000 |
| 2020 | 1,299,400 |
| 2021 | 792,000 |
| 2022 | 1,602,000 |
| 2023 | 2,086,000 |
| 2024 | 2,626,700 |
Tourism in Azerbaijan: A Rising Travel Destination in the Caucasus
Azerbaijan has quickly become one of the most attractive tourism destinations in the Caucasus region. Known as the “Land of Fire,” the country offers a perfect blend of ancient history, modern architecture, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you are interested in city life, nature, adventure, or history, tourism in Azerbaijan has something exceptional to offer.
Baku – Where Modernity Meets Tradition
The capital city, Baku, is the heart of tourism in Azerbaijan. Travelers love exploring the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), walking along the Caspian Sea Boulevard, and admiring iconic landmarks such as Flame Towers and Heydar Aliyev Center. Baku’s vibrant nightlife, local cuisine, and unique architectural mix make it one of the most visited cities in the region.
