Azerbaijan eVisa Application Guide for Citizens of Costa Rica

From the lush rainforests of San José to the architectural marvels of Baku, the journey from Costa Rica to Azerbaijan is a transcontinental adventure connecting Central America with the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Whether you are drawn to the ancient walled city of Icherisheher, the mud volcanoes of Gobustan, or the modern Flame Towers, Azerbaijan offers a unique cultural tapestry for Costa Rican travelers ("Ticos").

However, before you embark on this long-haul journey, navigating the entry rules is the first step. This complete guide answers every critical question about the Azerbaijan eVisa requirements for Costa Rica, featuring up-to-date 2025 details on processing times, costs, and essential travel tips.

Do Citizens of Costa Rica Need a Visa for Azerbaijan?

This is the most common query for Costa Rican passport holders. Yes, citizens of Costa Rica are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Costa Rica is not currently on the visa-waiver list for Azerbaijan. However, unlike the complex procedures for some other destinations, you generally do not need to visit an embassy or consulate in person. Costa Rica is on the approved list for the ASAN eVisa, allowing you to secure your travel authorization 100% online.

Who Is Eligible to Apply from Costa Rica?

You are eligible to apply for the electronic visa if:

• You hold a valid ordinary passport issued by Costa Rica.
• Your stay in Azerbaijan will not exceed 30 days.
• You are visiting for tourism, business, or other short-term non-employment purposes.

What Permitted Reasons for Travel are Covered?

When completing your Azerbaijan Online Visa application, you must accurately select your purpose of visit. The eVisa covers the following categories:

• Tourism: Vacations, sightseeing in Baku/Sheki/Gabala, and leisure.
• Business: Business meetings, corporate events, or trade conferences.
• Science & Education: Attending academic research, symposiums, or short courses.
• Culture & Sports: Participating in cultural events or attending sports competitions (e.g., F1 Baku GP).
• Humanitarian: Aid work or relief missions.
• Medical Treatment: Health tourism and wellness procedures.
• Personal Trip: Visiting friends or family members living in Azerbaijan.
• Official Trip: For state delegations (check specific diplomatic rules).

Can I Convert My Visa Type or Reason of Travel After Arrival?

A frequent question from travelers is whether they can enter on a tourist visa and switch to a work or student visa later.

• Strict Non-Conversion Policy: The ASAN eVisa is strictly for short-term visits (Tourism, Business, Culture). You cannot convert a Tourist eVisa into a Work Visa or a Student Visa while you are inside Azerbaijan.
• Working is Illegal: You are not permitted to accept paid employment on a tourist eVisa.
• The Correct Process: If you intend to work or study long-term, you must apply for the specific Labor or Education visa through the Azerbaijani Embassy in Costa Rica (or the nearest diplomatic mission) before you travel. Attempting to change your status inside the country often requires you to exit Azerbaijan and re-enter with the correct documentation.

How Much Does the Azerbaijan eVisa Cost for Costa Ricans?

Budgeting is key for international travel. The Azerbaijan eVisa cost generally includes:

1. Government Fee: The mandatory state fee.
2. Service Fee: The administrative charge for processing the application, which varies by provider.

Currency Note: Fees are charged in USD. When paying with a Costa Rican credit card (Visa/Mastercard), your bank will automatically convert the amount from Costa Rican Colón (CRC) to USD based on the daily exchange rate.

What Is the Processing Time for the Application?

Depending on how soon your flight departs from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you can choose from three processing tiers:

1. Standard Processing

• Time: Approved within 3 - 5 Business Days.
• Best For: Travelers planning their itinerary weeks in advance.

2. Urgent Processing

• Time: Approved within 12 - 24 Hours.
• Best For: Last-minute bookings or those who forgot to apply earlier.

3. Super Rush Processing

• Time: Approved within 3 - 6 Hours.
• Best For: Emergency travel or airport situations where immediate documentation is needed.

How Do I Get an Emergency Visa for Azerbaijan?

If you have a sudden travel emergency or realize at the airport that you forgot your visa, you can use the Emergency (Super Rush) service.

• Speed: This service prioritizes your application to be processed in as little as 3 to 5 hours.
• Cost: It is more expensive than the standard visa due to the expedited service.
• Availability: This service is available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Action: Select "Super Rush" or "Urgent" during your online application to trigger this rapid turnaround.

What Are the Document Requirements for Costa Rican Citizens?

The documentation process is streamlined. You typically do not need to upload flight tickets or hotel bookings during the initial application.

The Checklist:

• Valid Passport: Your Costa Rican passport must have at least 3 months of validity remaining after the expiration date of your eVisa.
• Digital Scan: A clear, color scan of your passport’s biographical page (the photo page).
• Tip: Ensure there is no glare on the laminate and all text is legible.
• Email Address: A functional email where the PDF visa will be sent.
• Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card for online payment.

Do Emergency or Provisional Passports Work for the eVisa?

Travelers sometimes ask if they can use a temporary travel document.

• Ordinary Passports Only: The online ASAN eVisa system is specifically designed for Ordinary Passports.
• Emergency/Provisional Passports: If you hold an Emergency or Provisional passport issued by Costa Rica, you may not be eligible for the eVisa. The automated system may reject the document, or border officials may deny entry because these documents often lack the security features of a full passport.
• Recommendation: If you must travel on an Emergency passport, contact the nearest Embassy of Azerbaijan to apply for a traditional sticker visa instead of using the online system.

I Have Dual Nationality: Which Passport Should I Use?

If you hold dual citizenship (e.g., Costa Rica and Spain/USA), you must be careful.

• The Golden Rule: You must apply using the passport you intend to present at the border control in Azerbaijan.
• Mismatch Risk: If your eVisa is linked to your Costa Rican passport but you travel with your other passport, you will be denied entry.

What If I Lose My Passport After Approval?

The eVisa is electronically linked to your specific passport number.

• If Lost/Stolen: Your visa becomes invalid immediately.
• The Fix: You must obtain a new passport and then apply and pay for a completely new eVisa. You cannot transfer the old visa to the new passport.

How Long Can I Stay in Azerbaijan?

• Validity Period: The visa is valid for use within 90 days from the issue date.
• Allowed Stay: Once you enter, you can stay for a maximum of 30 days.
• Entries: It is a Single Entry visa. If you visit neighboring Georgia and want to return to Azerbaijan, you need a new visa.

Can Costa Rican Citizens Get a Visa on Arrival?

No. Citizens of Costa Rica are generally not eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Azerbaijani airports.

• Risk: Arriving without a visa will result in denied entry and immediate repatriation.
• Action: Always secure your approved eVisa before boarding your flight.

Is Registration with the State Migration Service Mandatory?

This rule is often missed by tourists and can lead to fines.

The 15-Day Rule: If your stay in Azerbaijan exceeds 15 days, you MUST register your place of residence with the State Migration Service.

• Procedure: Hotels usually handle this for guests. If staying in an Airbnb or with friends, ensure your host registers you.
• Penalty: Failure to register results in a fine (300-400 AZN) upon departure.

What About the Nagorno-Karabakh Rule?

• Government Website: The official site has warnings in fine print. If you have visited the Nagorno-Karabakh region illegally in the past, you may be arrested or denied entry. It is easy to miss this critical warning on the DIY portal.
• azerbaijan-evisa.info: We look out for you. We provide clear warnings and guidance regarding sensitive travel history to ensure you don't accidentally put yourself at legal risk upon arrival.

Can You Speed Up the Process?

• Government Website: You have to choose between Standard (3 days) or Urgent (3 hours). If you pick Standard and then realize you need it sooner, you can't change it.
• azerbaijan-evisa.info: We monitor your timeline. We offer Priority Processing and review your application immediately to ensure it is submitted in the fastest possible queue based on your travel needs.

What Happens If I Overstay My Visa?

Azerbaijan enforces strict immigration laws. Overstaying your 30-day limit can lead to:

1. Significant fines at the border.
2. Deportation procedures.
3. A ban on re-entry for a period of 1 to 5 years.

Can I Enter Azerbaijan with a Schengen or US Visa?

No. Holding a valid visa for the USA or the Schengen Area does not exempt Costa Rican citizens from the Azerbaijan visa requirement. You must apply for the Azerbaijan eVisa separately.

Final Thoughts for Tico Travelers

Visiting Azerbaijan is a rewarding experience, blending the ancient East with the modern West. By securing your Azerbaijan eVisa online, respecting the 15-day registration rule, and ensuring your passport documents are in order, you can look forward to a seamless journey.

Ready to swap Gallo Pinto for Plov? Apply for your eVisa today and get ready to explore the Land of Fire!