Azerbaijan tightens visa-free stay rules for Russian citizens

Starting from 1 January 2025, citizens of the Russian Federation and stateless persons permanently residing in Russia will face a new limitation on their visa-free temporary stay in Azerbaijan.

The new rule, which caps the stay at 90 days within a calendar year, was announced by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports.

The decision is a response to recent changes in Russian immigration policies, as Azerbaijan seeks to maintain reciprocal measures in its dealings with Russia. The new regulation will come into effect on the first day of the new year, marking a significant shift in the country’s migration policies towards Russian citizens.

According to a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers, this decision aligns with the latest amendments to Azerbaijan’s Migration Code, as well as changes in the country's state duties legislation. The move follows Russia’s announcement earlier this month that starting 1 January 2025, foreign nationals will also be restricted to a 90-day visa-free stay within a calendar year, bringing the two countries’ policies into alignment.

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Aykhan Hajizada, confirmed that the new regulation is part of Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring reciprocity in temporary stay rules, emphasizing that it reflects the principles of parity in foreign policy. He also pointed out that the changes are a direct response to Russia’s stricter measures on foreign nationals, which have had an impact on Azerbaijani citizens.

The new stay limits will apply to Russian nationals entering Azerbaijan under the existing visa-free regime, and it is expected to significantly affect Russian citizens' travel plans to Azerbaijan.

Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed the decree, noting that the decision is in line with constitutional provisions and aimed at ensuring effective management of migration flows into the country.