Azerbaijan grants one-year visa-free access to Macao SAR travelers

Another significant step has been taken in the development of Azerbaijan–China relations, reflecting the two countries’ strategic partnership in practice.

The Identification Services Bureau has announced that it received a notification from the Azerbaijani Embassy in China stating that, in light of the strategic partnership between the two nations and in an effort to further expand cooperation in economic, cultural, tourism, and other fields, Azerbaijan will introduce a visa-free regime for holders of passports from the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). The exemption will be in effect from February 2, 2026, through February 2, 2027.

According to Caliber.Az, citing the government portal of the Macao SAR of China, during this one-year period, Macao passport holders will be allowed to enter Azerbaijan up to three times without a visa, with each stay permitted for a maximum of 30 days.

At the same time, travellers are advised to keep in mind that entry regulations may differ by country. Residents are therefore encouraged to consult the official websites of the relevant authorities or contact the appropriate embassies before travelling, and to prepare the necessary documentation or complete required procedures in advance to avoid any complications during their trips.

This initiative follows a broader visa-free travel agreement between Azerbaijan and China that was signed in April during President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to China and officially entered into force on July 16, 2025.

The agreement allows citizens of both countries to travel without visas under specific conditions. Holders of valid ordinary passports from Azerbaijan and China may enter, exit, or transit through the other country without a visa for up to 30 days per visit, provided that their total stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

The agreement was formally approved by President Aliyev in June, marking a major milestone in bilateral cooperation.

The visa-free arrangements underscore the deepening strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, particularly within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, where Azerbaijan serves as a key transit and logistics hub.

Officials expect the measures to boost people-to-people contacts, stimulate investment and trade, and expand cooperation in education and technology.

By Tamilla Hasanova