Before you travel to a foreign country, there are a lot of things you need to consider. The most important thing an international traveler needs to enter a foreign country is undoubtedly a valid visa, and the same goes for Sri Lankan citizens traveling to Azerbaijan.
All Sri Lankan passport holders are required to have a valid travel document to enter Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan government has now made the visa application process completely electronic, making it more convenient and faster.
Types of Azerbaijan Visas
The Azerbaijan government offers different types of visas for different purposes. Applicants can get a traditional visa as well as an electronic visa, depending on the length of their stay.
As Azerbaijan has made the visa processing system completely electronic, Sri Lankan nationals can get the following types of visas online:
Tourist e-Visa
For tourism and leisure purposes, Sri Lankan passport holders can get a tourist visa. An Azerbaijan tourist visa allows holders to stay in the country for 30 consecutive days within a 90-day period. It is a single-entry visa that is valid for the following purposes:
Visiting friends and family members
Exploring the country
Spending vacations
Business e-Visa
Alternatively, if a traveler wants to enter Azerbaijan for professional or commercial activities, they can apply for a business visa. A business visa is for those who want to:
Enroll in a training program
Attend conferences or seminars
Meet with business associates
Just like a tourist visa, an Azerbaijan business visa is also a single-entry travel document that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days within a 90-day period.
Work Visa
If a Sri Lankan citizen wants to work in Azerbaijan, he/she is required to have a work visa. Unlike a tourist or business visa, an Azerbaijan work visa is available in two different types, including:
Double-Entry Visa - A double-entry work visa allows you to enter the country twice within a 90-day period.
Multiple-Entry Visa - If you want to enter Azerbaijan multiple times, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa. This one comes with a validity period of 12 months.
Azerbaijan Visa Requirements
To get an Azerbaijan visa, Sri Lankan nationals are required to provide some necessary documents, also known as the visa requirements. These visa requirements are as follows:
Valid Passport - A copy of your original passport with at least 3 months of remaining validity and 2 blank pages.
E-mail Address - A valid and active email address. Your email address will be electronically linked to your passport. Moreover, you'll get your approved visa via email.
Means of Payment - As you can apply online for an Azerbaijan visa, you can use online payment methods, such as a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
Besides these, Sri Lankan passport holders might require some additional documents depending on their purpose of visit. For instance, you'll need proof of status, proof of accommodation, and an invitation letter to get an Azerbaijan work visa!
How to Apply for an Azerbaijan Visa from Sri Lanka?
As the Azerbaijan government has made the visa application process completely electronic, applying for a travel document has become a straightforward process. No need to visit the Azerbaijan embassy or consulate office. No need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview. No need to waste an entire day submitting your visa application.
Now, Sri Lankan citizens can partner up with VisaHQ and apply for an online visa from the comfort of their homes. All you need is a stable internet connection and a laptop or mobile device. Follow the following 3 steps to apply for an Azerbaijan visa online:
Fill out the Azerbaijan visa application form
Pay the visa fee and government fee
Submit your application with supporting documents
To fill out your visa application form, you'll need to provide personal, contact, travel, and passport details, such as:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Email address
Phone number
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry date
Travel dates
Make sure to double-check the provided information prior to submitting your visa application form. This is because if there are mistakes or errors in your application, your visa will more likely be delayed or denied by the Azerbaijan embassy.
Processing Time
The estimated processing time for an Azerbaijan e-visa is 5 business days. Alternatively, if you are applying for a work visa, you'll get your travel documents within 5-7 business days.
Keep in mind that the processing time for a visa varies from applicant to applicant. Due to high demand and secondary checks, you may have to wait a little longer. Therefore, it's recommended to apply for an Azerbaijan visa at least 2 weeks prior to the intended departure date!