Azerbaijan's embassy denies visa problems for Iraqi citizens

The Azerbaijani Embassy in Iraq has dismissed reports suggesting that Iraqi citizens are facing difficulties obtaining visas to travel to Azerbaijan.

The embassy stressed that such claims are false and misleading, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The embassy highlighted that, to streamline the visa process, improve service quality, and prevent the use of fraudulent documents, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has partnered with international firm VFS Global through a memorandum of understanding.

Since July 10, 2024, tourist visa applications from Iraqi citizens, as well as foreign nationals residing in Iraq, have been handled by the VFS Global visa centre in Baghdad.

The embassy emphasised that all procedures—from submission and review of applications to visa issuance—are carried out in strict accordance with Azerbaijani law, and fees are set under the uniform rates specified in the memorandum.

The centre’s activities are under continuous supervision by both the Azerbaijani Embassy and VFS Global’s headquarters, with regular inspections conducted. For transparency, travel companies with poor reputations are barred from submitting applications.

According to the embassy, these measures have already produced results. In 2025, the number of visa applications has risen significantly, despite the absence of direct flights during the first three months of the year and a temporary closure of Iraqi airspace.

As of October 27, the embassy had received 5,904 applications, of which 5,650 visas were successfully issued. For comparison, a total of 4,800 applications were submitted throughout 2024.

The embassy confirmed that all visa-related complaints are carefully examined by the MFA and the embassy, and any violations are promptly addressed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev