Can I visit Iran and Azerbaijan then back to Iran before flying back to the U.S.?

by Ken
(Kerrville, TX USA)

Question: Can I visit Iran for two weeks and then fly 50-minutes to Azerbaijan for a week and then back to Iran for a day before flying back to the U.S.?

Fly Texas - Tehran arriving 11-1-11. Fly Tehran - Baku 11-15-11. Fly Baku - Tehran 11-22. Fly Tehran - Texas 11-23.

Answer: As far as we know, you should have no problems if you have the appropriate documentations. In order to enter Iran, a passport, valid for six months beyond duration of stay, and visa are required. Since you plan to pass through Iran after visiting Azerbaijan, the best option may be to apply for a double-entry visa rather than a single-entry tourist visa and a transit visa.

Visas to Iran are obtained through the Iran Interest Section of the Embassy of Pakistan. According to the Embassy, a business associate, friend or relative must submit the request for you to the Foreign Ministry in Tehran unless you go through a travel agency.

You also need a valid passport and visa to Azerbaijan. You can get a single-entry visa by mail or in person from the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, DC. You can also request the assistance of a qualified expediting service in order to obtain an expedited visa to Azerbaijan.

You should get your visas before you travel.