Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia agree on visa exemption for special passport holders

The Azerbaijani parliament has ratified the exemption of special passport holders from short-term visa for travel between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia.

The bill approving the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the mutual exemption of holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports from short-term visa" was passed during a plenary session of parliament on November 29, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The memorandum was signed in New York on September 27, 2024.

Earlier, Azerbaijan strengthened its diplomatic relations by abolishing visa with two countries. 

The bills were presented to ratify agreements between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as the Republic of Gambia.  These agreements specifically exempt holders of general civil passports from needing visas to travel between the countries. Mutual visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports were also waived under these agreements.

This move underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to fostering robust diplomatic ties and enhancing international cooperation.  Azerbaijan continues prioritising diplomatic relations as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, aiming to facilitate easier travel and strengthen cultural and economic exchanges with nations worldwide.

The bills were unanimously approved during the parliamentary session, reflecting Azerbaijan's proactive approach to expanding its diplomatic outreach and promoting global connectivity through simplified travel arrangements.

By Naila Huseynova