Azerbaijan and China have ratified a mutual visa-free travel agreement for ordinary passport holders for stays of up to 30 days. Formalised on 23 April 2025, the agreement is a step towards supporting economic, cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The deal was concluded during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The agreement was signed in late April by the foreign ministers of China and Azerbaijan in Beijing, during a ceremony witnessed by the presidents of both countries.
Currently, the decision applies only to short-term trips. To be able to stay in the territory of the other country for longer than 30 days, residents who are holders of general passports are still required to apply for a visa and hold the appropriate travel permission in advance. Additionally, either part may suspend the implementation of the agreement, partially or entirely, if issue concerning security, public health, or public order arise.
Ratified in by end of May 2025, the visa-free travel agreement between the two countries is expected to boost tourism, as travellers from both nations will be able to explore more freely, leading to greater shared experiences. Business ties are also likely to strengthen, with entrepreneurs and investors more easily able to meet and build lasting relationships. Cultural exchange will benefit too, as students, artists, and travellers engage more deeply with each other’s traditions, ideas, and innovations.
President Ilham Aliyev's state visit to China (22-24.04.2025) pic.twitter.com/TSiAeSp66Q
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) April 24, 2025
EU citizens still navigate visa hurdles
The Mission of Azerbaijan to the EU told Travel Tomorrow that the country has established mutual visa-free travel regimes with other countries on the basis of bilateral agreements. These arrangements give the opportunity to residents of the respective countries to enter Azerbaijan without a visa for a certain period, which usually ranges from 30 to 90 days. According to the Mission, the list of the countries granted visa-free entry is periodically reviewed and revised to reflect the country’s foreign policy goals.
Since September 2014, the process has been simplified under the “Agreement on the Facilitation of the Issuance of Visas” between the EU and Azerbaijan. This directive streamlines short-stay visa procedures by reducing fees, shortening processing times, and easing documentation requirements for students, journalists, and businesspeople.
Moreover, in 2017, to simplify the visa application procedure even further, Azerbaijan introduced the ASAN Visa system. This online platform enables citizens of eligible countries to apply for a single-entry visa, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. The processing time is up to three business days with an expedited option available in as little as three hours. The Mission of Azerbaijan to the EU said that the ASAN Visa system is designed to facilitate travel for reasons such as tourism, business, and humanitarian activities.
