NO Schengen visa required to explore this European gem! Can you guess the name?

TRAVEL TRENDS, AZERBAIJAN Created :

Priya Srivastava

Coming from the ‘City of Nawabs’, Lucknow, Priya’s sole motto is to explore life through journeys to unexplored destinations and knitting travel stories. She believes in creating memories, eating like a local, talking to the natives, understanding their way of living and capturing their smile in her camera. Be it quaint little Himalayan villages, grand forts in Rajasthan or serene beaches in Goa or ancient temples in Varanasi, all the destinations have an untold saga, which she tries to unfold! All her journeys, new or old, are etched on the canvas of her heart like a beautiful painting. Experimenting new dishes and experiencing different cultures are some of the things she enjoys the most. It's through travelling that she derives inspiration. An ardent reader, cinema lover and a nascent photographer, she wishes to listen and discover the myriad colours and sounds of nature.

You read that right! There is one amazing European nation that travellers can explore without a Schengen visa and it’s Azerbaijan! The country, set in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east and Russia to the north. Recently, the country has emerged as a sought-after destination for many Indians, including myriad influencers.

If you are wondering why there’s a sudden increase in interest in visiting this gem of a nation, then read on!

Affordable flight tickets
One of the prime reasons for the surge is that tickets to this Eurasian gem are quite affordable.
As per a few booking websites, round ticket fare to Azerbaijan is around INR 25000. One can book Delhi to Baku round-trip tickets for March 2024 for around INR 30000. From Delhi, a direct flight takes just five hours to reach Baku.

No Schengen visa required
Unlike other European nations, obtaining visas for Azerbaijan is quite easy. We all are aware how difficult it is to obtain a Schengen visa. But Azerbaijan is a non-Schengen European nation and the e-visa system for Indians is quite convenient.

How to apply for a visa for Azerbaijan?Apply through the online government portal
Fill in the required information and make the payment of INR 1600
Get your visa via email within three days

Prominent places to visit in Azerbaijan
Baku: Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is also known as the Pearl of the Caspian. This place is a perfect blend of modern architecture with historic charm and is home to the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher). It is all about narrow cobblestone streets, ancient mosques, palaces, and caravanserais. The iconic Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers dominating the city skyline, and the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center are a must visit. Baku's waterfront promenade, the Boulevard, offers stunning views of the Caspian Sea.

Sheki: Tucked away in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is a stunning town steeped in history and tradition. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old City and marvel at its architectural treasures, including the magnificent Sheki Khan's Palace and Albanian Church of Kish.

Gobustan: This is the place where history comes alive! Step back in time at Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art and archaeological treasures. Dating back thousands of years, the petroglyphs of Gobustan offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life, depicting hunting scenes, ritual dances, and ancient rituals.


Gabala: A mountain retreat, Gabala is settled in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. This idyllic resort town offers a wealth of outdoor activities year-round, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, biking, and paragliding in summer. Visit the Tufandag Mountain Resort for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and enjoy adrenaline-pumping adventures such as zip-lining and rope courses.

Quba: Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Quba, a charming town in Azerbaijan. Surrounded by lush valleys and fruit orchards, Quba is renowned for its scenic landscapes. Explore the colorful Qechresh Forest, home to ancient beech trees and cascading waterfalls, or embark on a cultural journey through the town's historic mosques, bathhouses, and bazaars.
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