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.?

Answer: As far as we know, you should have no problems if you have the appropriate documentation. Note, the Department of State has issued a travel warning for Iran.

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 passport with at least six months validity and a visa to Azerbaijan. You can get a single-entry visa by mail or in person from the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, DC.

You are required to submit an invitation from a person or company in Azerbaijan in order to obtain the visa. You can also request the assistance of a qualified expedited visa courier service in order to obtain a visa for Azerbaijan quickly.

You should get your visas before you travel.