Travel Tips

Essential things and information you need to know before traveling to Azerbaijan from Dubai in 2025.

Azerbaijan, often called "Asan" by the locals, is a country known as  the "Land of Fire" as well as "City of Winds." The land of fire term is derived from its historical link with natural gas fires that have burned for generations, like the  famous Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) near Baku. The name Azerbaijan is thought to imply a protector of fire. While city of Winds refers to the strong and frequent winds that blow in from the Caspian Sea. 

People visit Azerbaijan because of its engaging blend of history, culture, breathtaking natural beauty, wonderful food but also budget friendly. According to caliber.az, Azerbaijan had a minor reduction in tourist arrivals in Q1 2025, with 508,100 visitors between January and March, a 1.1% decrease from 2024. Russian citizens made up the largest group of visitors, for 24.7%. This was followed by visitors from Turkey (18.3%), India (10.8%), and Iran (9.8%). Smaller numbers of travelers arrived from Georgia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and other nations.  Somehow Azerbaijan will always be a wonderful place to explore, and you will be welcomed by their warm hospitality. Before planning to visit Azerbaijan in 2025 from Dubai, here are the things that you need to know:

1. Visa Requirements

If you are travelling to Azerbaijan from Dubai as an emirati, the visa requirements depend on your nationality. If you are a UAE passport holder, you are eligible to go without a visa. But if you are an emirati from India, you need to apply for e-visa. The requirements will depend on your nationality, so we recommend you to stay up to date for visa requirements related. Avoid confusing on visa application by getting in touch with experienced Arooha Leisure's team and get your visa hassle free. 

2. Best Time to Visit

The spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are likely to be the most comfortable times to visit Azerbaijan, avoiding the strong summer heat that Dubai residents are used to but might like to escape. The pleasant temperatures make it great for exploring all of the landscapes and historical places in Baku and beyond.

3. Accommodation 

Begin your search for the best lodgings in Baku early and prioritize your demands. To get the best alternatives and prices, search by budget, location, amenities, and hotel type. Consider booking using Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, Expedia, or TripAdvisor for a wide range of options. Read reviews thoroughly, giving special attention to cleanliness, service, location, and value for money. Check the location on a map to make sure it is convenient for your planned activities and has decent access to public transportation, if you're taking public transportation.

Booking well in advance is crucial for securing the best accommodations in Baku, especially during peak seasons or events like the F1 Grand Prix in September 2025.

4. Transportation

There are numerous ways for visitors to get about Azerbaijan. The existing metro system in Baku is effective; to use public transit, buy "BakiKart." Other than that, buses travel all across the city, though non-Azerbaijani speakers may find it challenging to find their way about. Although there are taxis available, it is advisable to use reputable taxis or ride-hailing services like Bolt or Uber at affordable prices. 

Azerbaijan has an expanding railway network, with popular routes like Baku-Ganja and Baku-Sheki. Popular and reasonably priced modes of transportation between cities are marshrutkas and long-distance buses. But if you want more flexibility to explore Azerbaijan at your own pace,  renting a car will be the best option. However, driving out of large cities needs extra caution and an international driver's license is essential.

5. Must Visit Destination

Planning you next travel to Azerbaijan in 2025, you need to consider location and what you will see in the destination. Check these Must-Visit Destinations in Baku and beyond:

Icheri Sheher (Old City)

Maiden Tower

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Flame Towers

Baku Boulevard

Heydar Aliyev Center

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Fountain Square

Nizami Street

Highland Park

Upland Park

Azerbaijan National Museum of History

Must-Visit Destinations Beyond Baku:

Gobustan National Park

Yanar Dag

Ateshgah

Sheki

Gabala

Guba

Khinalig

6. Currency and Payment

Azerbaijan's official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), with fluctuating exchange rates between it and the UAE currency. Before and during the trip, you should check the current exchange rate with reputable online converters or the UAE Central Bank. Currency exchange offices are available at Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), but it is recommended that you exchange only a small amount upon arrival. Avoid unofficial exchanges and bring major currencies such as the US dollar, euro, and British pound. Major international credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in Baku City while mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay may be limited in Azerbaijan.

We recommend you carry both cash and credit/debit cards, keep small change for public transit and shopping, and be aware of conversion rates.  Keep your exchange receipts in case you need to exchange Manat back into Dirham before departing Azerbaijan.

7. Language and Communication

Azerbaijan's national language is the Turkic language family, which is spoken throughout the country. Since Arabic is not widely spoken in Azerbaijan, travelers could depend on English and Azerbaijani for communication, learning basic phrases in tourist areas would help. Here’s some basic language:

Salam: Hello

Necəsən? (Ne-ja-san?): How are you? 

Sağ olun: Thank you

Xahiş edirəm:  You're welcome/ Please

Xeyr: No

Bəli: Yes

Bu nə qədərdir? (Bu ne ga-dar-dir?): How much is this?

Başa düşmürəm: (Ba-sha dü-shü-mü-ram): I don't understand

8. Cultural Customs and Etiquette

Respectful travel requires an understanding of local traditions. Azerbaijan has a mainly Muslim population while being a secular state. Respect ethical standards and sensibilities, especially when visiting religious places. Azerbaijanis are recognized for their friendly hospitality; visitors may be offered tea or food, and it is polite to accept.

9.  Halal Food Availability

Travelers from Dubai will find it easy to find Halal food throughout Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku. It's an essential component of the local culture and cuisine. However, it is necessary to keep an eye out for Halal signs or indications at restaurants and butcher shops.

10. Safety and Security

Azerbaijan is generally regarded as a safe tourist destination. Many women, both locals and tourists, travel independently, particularly in Baku. However, it is always prudent to take normal safeguards against petty theft, particularly in crowded locations. It is also necessary to be aware of and up to date on the political situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh territory, as well as to prevent travel to the area.

Azerbaijan offers diverse destinations, from natural landscape to historical tapestry. Now that you are aware of all the necessary details, you can start to plan the next travel trip to Azerbaijan in 2025 from Dubai and get your unforgettable journey. Or what if you don't need to do all the plans and complicated arrangements? You can check the Arooha Leisure travel package to Azerbaijan: Baku and Beyond 2025 from Dubai. Are you ready to explore the Land of Fire?