Citizens of Azerbaijan must obtain a South Korea visa in advance. Citizens of many countries travel to Korea on the electronic authorisation known as K-ETA, but Azerbaijan is not on that list. Our citizens apply the classic way, through the Korean embassy in Baku. The good news is that the embassy is right there in the city and the process is straightforward.
This article explains how the short-stay C-3 visa is obtained, what it costs, which documents are needed, how the embassy’s appointment system works and the flight options from Baku to Seoul.
Do you need a visa, and which one?
Yes. Tourism, family visits, business meetings and short courses are covered by the short-stay C-3 visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days. The one exception is Jeju island: those flying direct to Jeju may stay up to 30 days without a visa, but since there is no direct flight from Baku and a visa is required when passing through Seoul, the exception does not work in practice.
| Visa type | C-3, short stay |
| Consular fee | From 40 US dollars for single entry |
| Where to apply | Korean embassy, Baku, Nizami Street, ISR Plaza |
| Appointment | By e-mail, at least 5 working days ahead |
| Processing time | Usually 1–2 weeks |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days |
| Direct flights | None; via Istanbul, Doha or Dubai |
How to apply
The Korean embassy accepts documents by prior appointment only. Appointments are arranged by e-mail at least five working days ahead. On the day you hand in the documents in person, pay the fee, and your passport stays at the embassy. The answer is usually ready in one to two weeks and you collect the passport in person as well. You can follow the status with your passport number on the Korean visa portal. Official information is published on the Korean embassy’s Baku page.
Documents for a South Korea visa
Documents must be in English. The Korean embassy pays attention to travel history: Schengen, Japanese or American visas in the passport count in your favour.
Read next: How to get a US visa: from the DS-160 form to the interview, step by step
How to fly from Baku to Seoul
There is no direct flight. The most-used routes go to Seoul Incheon with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Qatar Airways via Doha or Emirates via Dubai, taking 14 to 17 hours in total. Baku–Seoul fares rise during the summer holidays and around Seollal, the Korean new year. Buy the ticket once the visa arrives.
Many people combine Korea with Japan — Seoul to Tokyo is only two hours. Japan also requires a visa from citizens of Azerbaijan, so both applications have to run in parallel. Far East Korea tour programmes usually cover the two countries together.
Worth knowing before you go
- At the border. Fingerprints and a facial image are taken on entry, and you may be asked to complete an online customs declaration.
- Money. The Korean won. Cards work everywhere, even in markets. Take little cash.
- Connectivity. Tourist SIMs and portable Wi-Fi rentals are available at the airport; getting around Korea without internet is hard.
- Transport. A T-money card works on the metro, buses and taxis, and is sold at the airport.
- Season. April–May and September–October are the best times. July and August are hot and wet.
Frequently asked questions about the South Korea visa
Can you travel on a K-ETA?
No. K-ETA is only for citizens of countries that use the visa-free regime. Citizens of Azerbaijan need a visa from the embassy.
How long is the visa valid?
The first time, a single-entry visa valid for three months is usually issued. On repeat applications and for business travel a multiple-entry visa is possible, at a higher fee.
Is there an interview?
Usually not. The consular officer may ask a few questions when you hand in the documents, but there is no formal interview.
In closing
A South Korea visa can be obtained in Baku and it is not difficult: an appointment, a 40-dollar fee, documents in English and one to two weeks of waiting. The Viza.az team helps complete the form, translate the documents and arrange the embassy appointment.
Read more about South Korea as a destination and our service fees, or fill in the application form.
Note: the information here is accurate as of the publication date. Fees and the embassy’s procedures can change, so check the embassy’s page again before applying.
