Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA code GYD) in Baku is the primary entry gateway for travelers visiting Azerbaijan on an ASAN eVisa in 2026. Because Azerbaijan’s land borders remain closed to passenger entry until at least 2 January 2027, eVisa holders must fly in, carry a printed A4 copy of their eVisa, and present the exact passport used on their application.
Why Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) Is Essential for eVisa Holders
Located 20 kilometers northeast of central Baku, Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA code GYD) is the flagship hub of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and the main arrival point for international flights from London, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Frankfurt, Tbilisi, New Delhi, Mumbai, Lahore, and Karachi. Alongside Ganja International Airport (GNJ) and Nakhchivan International Airport (NAJ), GYD hosts a permanent Consular Visa Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and full State Border Service eVisa clearance lanes.
In 2026, flying into GYD (or GNJ/NAJ) is mandatory for anyone traveling on an Azerbaijan ASAN eVisa. Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers extended the special land-border quarantine regime until at least 06:00 on 2 January 2027, keeping all road border crossings with Georgia, Russia, and Iran closed to ordinary passenger entry. Furthermore, although passenger rail service between Tbilisi and Baku resumed on 25 May 2026, the State Migration Service confirmed that the train only carries Azerbaijani citizens and visa-free foreign nationals — meaning eVisa holders must fly into Azerbaijan.
- Primary Capital Gateway: Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), Baku (Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 North).
- Other Azerbaijani Airports with MFA Visa Sections: Ganja International (GNJ) and Nakhchivan International (NAJ).
- Permitted eVisa Entry Mode in 2026: Air arrival only (road borders closed until 2 Jan 2027; Tbilisi–Baku train restricted to visa-free passports).
- Permitted Stay on ASAN eVisa: Up to 30 days on a single entry within a 90-day validity window.
Mandatory Rule at GYD: Print Your A4 Azerbaijan eVisa Before Boarding
Unlike several Southeast Asian digital arrival passes that can be scanned off a smartphone screen, Azerbaijan’s official ASAN Visa conditions and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) explicitly state that you must print out your Azerbaijan eVisa in A4 format and present the physical printout together with your passport at the border checkpoint.
Even more importantly, every single character on your printed eVisa — your surname, given names, passport number, issue date, expiry date, and date of birth — must match the passport you carry to Baku. Under official ASAN Visa regulations, if any detail on the eVisa does not match your travel document, or if you renew your passport after applying and bring the new passport, the eVisa is deemed invalid at GYD and cannot be corrected at the airport.
Print your Azerbaijan ASAN eVisa on A4 paper before heading to the airport, and verify that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of your 90-day eVisa (roughly 6 months from arrival).
Who Can Use the GYD Visa-on-Arrival Kiosks vs. Who Must Pre-Apply?
Inside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 North at Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport, you will see ASAN Visa self-service kiosks before the State Border Service booths. Do not assume that being eligible for the online ASAN eVisa means you can use those airport kiosks on arrival! Azerbaijan’s official FAQ explicitly warns that citizens of most eVisa-eligible countries cannot obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport.
Airport Visa on Arrival at GYD is restricted to a narrow list of nationalities (such as Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Gulf states, many of which also have bilateral or temporary visa-free entry) plus holders of a valid residence permit with more than six months remaining from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, or Bahrain. Travelers holding UK, US, Canadian, Australian, EU/Schengen, Indian, Pakistani, or Sri Lankan ordinary passports (without a qualifying 6-month GCC residence permit) must have an approved ASAN eVisa before boarding their flight to GYD.
Step-by-Step Arrival Procedure Inside GYD Terminal 1 & Terminal 2
Most full-service international carriers (including Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Emirates) arrive at GYD’s striking Zaha Hadid-designed Terminal 1, while select regional and low-cost flights utilize Terminal 2. Both terminals follow the same streamlined border control sequence.
- Step 1 — Disembark & Follow Passport Control Signs: Walk from your arrival gate down to the State Border Service immigration hall.
- Step 2 — Present Passport & Printed A4 eVisa: Hand your undamaged passport (valid 3+ months beyond your eVisa’s 90-day expiry) and your printed A4 eVisa to the border officer.
- Step 3 — Biometric Photo & Stamp: Look into the desk camera for facial capture. The officer stamps your passport and records your 30-day single-entry stay.
- Step 4 — Baggage Claim & Customs Rules: Collect your luggage downstairs. Remember that foreign visitors without Azerbaijani residence rights are prohibited from importing camera drones into Azerbaijan, and exporting antique carpets or samovars on departure requires an official cultural export certificate.
- Step 5 — Aero Express Bus & Taxis into Baku: Exit into the arrivals forecourt to board the 24/7 Aero Express bus to 28 May Metro Station (~30 minutes) or book an official Bolt / Baku Taxi cab.
Critical Post-Arrival Rule: Free 15-Day State Migration Service Registration
Once you pass through Baku Airport (GYD) and check into your accommodation, keep track of the 15-day registration rule enforced by the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan (migration.gov.az). Any foreigner or stateless person staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must be registered at their place of stay within 15 days of arrival.
Registration is completely free of state fees. If you stay at a licensed hotel in Baku, Sheki, or Gabala, the hotel reception normally submits the electronic registration for you — always ask the front desk for a copy of the confirmation slip. If you stay in a private apartment, Airbnb, or with friends for more than 15 days, you or your host must submit the registration online via the State Migration Service portal or at a regional ASAN Service center within 15 days to avoid a 300 to 400 AZN administrative fine on departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to print my Azerbaijan eVisa when flying into Baku Airport (GYD)? — Yes. Official Azerbaijan eVisa conditions require you to print the A4 eVisa PDF and present the paper copy together with your passport at the GYD border checkpoint.
Can UK, US, EU, Indian, or Pakistani citizens get a Visa on Arrival at Baku Airport? — Not on an ordinary passport alone. Unless you also hold a residence permit valid for more than 6 months in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, or Bahrain, you must get your Azerbaijan ASAN eVisa approved before flying.
Can I bring a travel drone through customs at Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport? — No. Visitors who do not hold temporary or permanent residence rights in Azerbaijan are prohibited from importing drones, and customs officers at GYD confiscate undeclared drones.
Do I need an Azerbaijan eVisa if I only transit airside at Baku Airport (GYD)? — No. Official ASAN Visa rules confirm that you do not need a visa if you remain inside the international transit area at GYD without clearing passport control.
When must I register with the State Migration Service after landing at GYD? — If your stay in Azerbaijan exceeds 15 days, you must register your address within 15 days of arrival. Registration is free and can be completed by your hotel or online at migration.gov.az.
How fast can I get an Azerbaijan eVisa if my flight to Baku is tomorrow? — Alongside Standard processing (3–5 working days), Urgent and Super Fast processing tiers are available (issued within 3 to 24 hours, including weekends and holidays).
