Azerbaijan Opens Liberated Territories to Foreign Visitors Starting July 23

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Republic of Azerbaijan will permit foreign nationals to visit its liberated territories—Shusha, Lachin, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Khojaly, and Khankendi—beginning July 23, 2025, according to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and the State Tourism Agency.

Under the new arrangement, foreign visitors will be allowed to enter these areas either individually by private vehicle or as part of organized group tours, provided they secure the necessary permits. The regulation applies to foreign citizens visiting Azerbaijan for up to 90 days, as well as those holding temporary or permanent residence permits within the country.

Foreign nationals wishing to travel independently must obtain travel authorization through the official “Yolumuz Qarabağa” portal (www.yolumuzqarabaga.az). The platform includes designated fields for entering passport information and offers user-friendly access in English and Russian.

Travelers using private vehicles are required to carefully review travel regulations and mine safety instructions available on the portal. All passengers must be briefed on these safety guidelines. To ensure the security of visitors, especially concerning landmine threats, travelers must adhere to designated routes, avoid venturing off marked paths, exercise caution at intersections, and strictly comply with all safety instructions issued at checkpoints and along travel corridors.

The portal also features comprehensive information on accommodation options, including hotels and guest facilities operating in the liberated territories.

In addition to private visits, foreign citizens may opt for group tours organized by licensed tour operators officially registered in the Tourism Register. Tourists with confirmed hotel bookings in the specified regions will be eligible to receive entry permits valid for five days.

This initiative marks a significant step in Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and promote sustainable tourism in its liberated territories, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance for international travelers.