Covering an area of more than seventeen million square kilometers, Russia is the largest country on earth by land. It lies on two continents (Asia and Europe) and is the most populated nation in Europe. 

Beyond the geographical description, Russia or the Russian Federation is a beautiful country. It comprises people from multiple ethnicities and cultures. Hence, it has much to offer any visitor. If you plan to go to Russia on holiday, be prepared to see some beautiful places. 

However, before even making plans, you must obtain a Russian visa from the Russian embassy in your country. Once you have it, get ready. If you are not familiar with what to see or where to go, here is a list of 10 places to visit in Russia.

1. Lake Baikal

Your visit won’t be complete without seeing Lake Baikal, the biggest freshwater lake in the world. It is also the oldest and deepest lake and spreads across Siberia in the south-eastern region.

Surrounded by spectacular green vegetation and ice-capped mountains, it is a place where you can enjoy and relax. There are several activities that you can take part in like hiking, trekking and wildlife adventures.

2. Moscow

It may sound cliché, but Moscow is one of the grandest cities not just in Russia but in the world. It has magnificent structures, including the Kremlin, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the State Historical Museum, the St Basil’s Cathedral and others.

You can also walk the streets and visit the local market to enjoy ethnic cuisine and buy souvenirs. Nightlife is also quite vibrant, and so if you are still energetic after a busy day, you can visit some popular clubs.

3. National Park Curonian Spit

If you are a nature lover, you will enjoy visiting this park. Locally known as “Kurši”, the Nerijos Nacionalinis Parkas lies across the Baltic Sea and covers the Kaliningrad region. 

The Park is home to many wildlife creatures, including deer, elk, wild boar and birds. Covered densely with pine trees, it is a quiet and lovely place where you can enjoy everything natural. 

4. Kizhi Island 

Situated in Lake Onega, Kizhi Island is a picturesque place that you should visit while in Russia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of about six kilometers lengthwise. 

The island is home to the “Church of the Resurrection”, Russia’s oldest wooden church built in the 14th century. You can also check out other magnificent structures like “Church of the Transfiguration” and the “Pogost of Our Savior”.

5. Sochi

If you holiday in Russia during the summer, you must visit Sochi. It is a lovely and famous beach town that offers plenty of fun and relaxation.

You can check out the famous “Forested Sochi National Park” and participate in various exciting activities. 

6. Altay or Altai

Located in the Western Siberian area, the republic of Altai or Altay is a must-visit place. If you want to experience the traditional Russian culture, make time to go there. 

It is a beautiful place with lots of green mountains and meadows and enchanting lakes. It is also home to numerous flora and fauna. 

7. Kazan

Located at the junction of two famous rivers, Volga and Kazanka, Kazan City is a mixture of Russian and Tatar cultures. 

If you are a food enthusiast, it is the best place to taste genuine Tatar cuisine. Kazan City is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kazan Kremlin. 

8. Kamchatka

If you want to witness the fiery side of mother nature, Kamchatka is a must-go place. Situated in the North-eastern side of Russia, it has several volcanoes and is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

9. The Russian Arctic National Park

Located in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia, the park is home to numerous Arctic fauna. Enjoy the spectacular glaciers and other natural formations. 

10.  Ruskeala

Finally, if you want to relax and enjoy nature quietly, Ruskeala is the place to be. It is a small town in Sortavala, Republic of Karelia in Russia. Take part in hikes and have fun in the natural world.

So, these are the ten places that you should see when visiting Russia. There are hundreds more, and if you have time, you must try to check out as many as possible. Make your visit to Russia a memorable experience of a lifetime. 

Your dream of visiting the largest country in the world is finally coming true! You’ve got the budget, you’ve got the time. Nothing in the world should be able to stop you, right? Not quite. You still need to get a Russian visa invitation online to be able to obtain your Russian visa. And that is what we will be talking about in this article.

Russia is one of those countries that require an invitation for a visa. You need to get invited or hosted by someone who is living in the country (a friend or a relative). You can also be hosted by a hotel where you’ll stay during your Russian vacation, the school or university if you are going to study in the country, or the Russian company in case of a business trip.

You’ll also need an invitation letter if you are: going to work, a journalist covering a piece of news in Russia, scientific research, and sporting events.

Let’s learn more about getting a visa for your Russian trip:

NOTE: All prices are in US Dollars

COUNTRIES WHO ARE VISA-FREE TO ENTER RUSSIA

First, let’s learn about which countries are permitted to enter Russia without a visa. Check out the list below:

Stay indefinitely

• Belarus
• South Ossetia

90 days stay

• Abkhazia
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Tajikistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Estonia (alien passport holders)
• Latvia (non-citizen passport holders)

Tourist purpose only

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Fiji
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Honduras
• Israel
• Jamaica
• Maldives
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Africa
• Suriname
• United Arab Emirates
• Uruguay
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela

60 days of stay

• Mauritius
• Samoa
• South Korea

30 days of stay

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana (will take effect on 8 October 2019)
• Laos
• Macao
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Palau
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Thailand

14 days of stay

• Brunei
• Hong Kong
• Nauru

30 days for if holding a letter of guarantee/invitation and a tourist voucher

• North Macedonia

If your country is not listed above, you will need to apply for a Russian visa, and, of course, you’ll be needing a Russian invitation letter online to obtain one.

WHERE CAN YOU APPLY FOR A RUSSIAN VISA

You can either get a Russian visa through the Russian consulate/embassy, travel agency or through an official visa centre online. You can either apply for a tourist invitation or a business invitation letter. 

Through the embassy

Through the embassy is the only way to actually apply for a Russian visa, however, you can’t get an invitation letter from there.

Online visa centres can help you secure your Russian visa invitation online. Once you get the invitation letter, you’ll still need to go to the Russian embassy/consulate to claim your visa. It’s the most convenient way to get an invitation from Russia.

RUSSIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

Now we know where to get your visa. Here are the things that you’re required to submit to get your visa application going. Please check the following list:

• Original passport with at least 2 blank pages and at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from Russia
• 2 copies of your Russian application form
• 2 passport-size pictures signed on the back
• You must also present your old visa if you have one

What is an invitation letter

A Russian invitation letter, also known as a tourist voucher or visa support, is a document where a Russian resident invites you to visit them. The invitation’s purpose could be for tourism, studying, business trips, or personal. It is a mandatory document in order for your visa application to be approved.

A Russian invitation letter, also known as a tourist voucher or visa support, is a document where a Russian resident invites you to visit him/her. The invitation’s purpose could be for tourism, studying, business trips, or personal. It is a mandatory document in order for your visa application to be approved.

HOW TO GET A RUSSIAN VISA INVITATION LETTER

If you have friends or relatives in Russia, it should be easy for you to get an invitation letter. Not for them, unfortunately, as the process of them sending you one is complicated.

If you don’t want to put a burden on their shoulders, you should consider securing a Russian invitation letter yourself. Here are your options:

Travel agency

Travel agencies can help you obtain your Russian invitation letter. They’ll even take care of the whole process for you, and you just need to provide them with the necessary documents.

This option is a bit expensive, but the most convenient as they’ll take care of most of the steps on your behalf. So, if you value convenience over spending a little bit more, go for this option.

Online

Many online visa agencies can help you get an invitation quick and easy. The turnaround time is usually 15 – 20 minutes for a tourist invitation letter. Which is a lot better than walking and finding a trusted travel agency.

All you need is a smartphone or laptop or desktop, your travel details, and a reliable online visa agency.

CHECK FOR PRICES OF INVITATION LETTER

PROCESSING TIME OF THE INVITATION LETTER

Your Russian invitation letter should only take 30 minutes – 24 hours. If you have to wait longer than this, make sure to follow up right away.

TYPES OF VISA INVITATION LETTER

There are several types of Russian invitation letters. What you’ll need depends on the reason why you are going to Russia. There are 3 main types of invitation letters; let’s learn more about them:

Tourism

The tourist invitation letter is what you’ll need if you’re just going on a tour to Russia. Though the cheapest and quickest invitation letter to get, the visa acquired through this type cannot be extended. What you get is what you get. You can get more information here.

Personal trips (visiting a relative or friend)

The Russian personal or private invitation letter is a difficult letter to get, at least, on your friend or relative’s end. Aside from the inconvenience of them going through all the processes, the turnaround time can also take up to 3 months, which is why many travellers prefer getting a tourist invitation letter instead.

Business

The business invitation letter is a document that indicates that a Russian company is inviting you to Russia, and is a requirement to get a business visa. We recommend processing it through iVisa because it is quick. It will just take them 24 hours to get you your business invitation letter.

Studying

If your purpose for going to Russia is for study, then you’ll need to secure a student visa invitation letter. The initial duration for your student visa is up to 90 days, but the good thing is you can extend this type of visa.

The Russian school that you’ll be attending shall be the one to process this for you, and the process usually takes about a month.

Transit visa

A transit invitation letter is not required to get a transit visa to Russia. All you need to provide when applying for a transit visa is your airline ticket and the visa for the country you’re headed to, which, by the way, will not be required if you can enter that country visa-free.

FORMAT AND REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN AN INVITATION LETTER

While there are no specific and strict guidelines for Russian invitation letters, there’s a format that is commonly followed in Russia. The size of the paper should be A4 (8.27 × 11.69 inches, 210 × 297 millimetres).

The invitation is divided into two parts; one part being the voucher, which contains all your personal information, such as the cities you will visit, proof of payment, and the services your hotel offers.

The second part of the letter is the confirmation of receipt. It basically has the hotel’s acceptance of the visit as well as some of your personal information such as the accommodations you’ll stay at.

A print out of the invitation letter should suffice for your visa application, however, for business, student, and private invitation letters, the original copy will be required by the consulate.

COST OF VISA INVITATION LETTER

The invitation letter for a Russian visa cost depends on the type of invitation letter you are requesting, the rate of the travel agency/visa centre, whether you want the application to be expedited or not, as well as the country you will be coming from.

The cost of the visa application letter ranges $25-$200.

The fastest way to get the Russian invitation letter step-by-step

Here’s the simple steps:

1. Go to this page
2. Search for your home country – a passport that you hold
3. Choose Russia as your destination
4. Fill in the required information about yourself and your trip 
5. Pay the fee; you can use your bank card or PayPal
6. And lastly, wait for the email confirmation – make sure that you use an email address that you can access
7. You will receive another email where your invitation letter will be attached

APPLY FOR INVITATION LETTER NOW

The price range depends on the type of invitation letter you require, and it typically costs around $25 and up to $200+ depending on which country you will be coming from and the type of the visa invitation letter. The process varies from country to country, and, of course, the kind of invitation letter you are requesting.

Your invitation letter should only take 30 minutes – 24 hours. If you have to wait longer than this, make sure to follow up right away.

TRAVEL VISA GUIDES PER NATIONALITY

• Check out this collection of visa guides
• Australian passport holders
• Canadian passport holders
• German passport holder
• New Zealand passport holders
• United States passport holders
• United Kingdom passport holders

And that’s all about the process of getting a Russian visa invitation online! We’ve talked about the visa-free countries (you’re lucky if you’re living in one of them!), the different types of invitation letters, how to apply, where to apply, the costs, and our recommended online visa processing centre.

I hope we have covered everything, but if there’s anything that we’ve missed, or if you’d like to give helpful information about the Russian invitation letter, just don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. You can also check the collection of our visa guides.

If you are thinking of going on a vacation to Azerbaijan, you’re probably on the right track. It has a lot of fantastic tourist spots that it can offer to travellers who have been meaning to set foot in its lands.

Besides, who doesn’t want to see Azerbaijan’s point of interest? The ever-burning fire Yanar Dag, which literally means ‘Burning Mountain’. But before you set off on an unforgettable trip to the country, the first thing that you’ll need to know is whether you’ll need to get a Visa or not.

We will talk about the countries that do not need a Visa as well as the process of acquiring an e-Visa if you are living in a country in which an Azerbaijan Visa is required to be able to travel and enter there. Let’s read on to learn more about Azerbaijan Visa:

VISA-FREE ACCESS COUNTRIES TO AZERBAIJAN

Not all countries have a tight relationship; hence, not all countries can visit each other without a Visa. Before we learn how to get an Azerbaijan Visa, let’s first talk about the countries that need not possess a visa just to pay a visit to this small, Eurasian country. Check out the following list of countries to see if you live in one of them:

VISA ON ARRIVAL TO AZERBAIJAN

• Turkey (up to 30 days stay)
• Belarus (up to 90 days stay)
• Georgia (90 days)
• Kazakhstan (90 days)
• Kyrgyzstan (90 days)
• Moldova (90 days)
• Russia (90 days)
• Tajikistan (90 days)
• Ukraine (90 days)
• Uzbekistan (90 days)

WHO NEEDS AN AZERBAIJAN EVISA

• Bahrain
• China
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Israel
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Malaysia
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates

Also, citizens of the US can only get an Azerbaijan Visa on arrival if they are arriving from a plane from Azerbaijan Airlines, and are coming from New York City.

WHO NEEDS AN AZERBAIJAN EVISA

Currently, only 95 countries are eligible to apply for an Azerbaijan electronic visa. Here’s the list:

• Albania
• Algeria
• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Djibouti
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Holy See (Vatican)
• Honduras
• Hungary
• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macedonia
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Republic of Korea
• Romania
• San Marino
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• United States of America
• Vietnam

Although this list up to date, the fees are subject to change, hence, it’s important to check the prices of an Azerbaijan evisa. 

What Are The Requirements For Azerbaijan Evisa

Aside from being a citizen of the eligible countries, tourists must have the following:

• A scan of your passport with at least 3 months of validity after the expected departure date from Azerbaijan and issued within the past 10 years; the passport should at least have 2 blank pages.
• A 3.5 × 4.5 cm (approximately 1.2 × 1.6 inches) coloured photo, with light and plain-coloured background.
• Confirmation letter/Hotel reservation
• A copy of your Azerbaijan ticket

How Much Is Azerbaijan Evisa

An Azerbaijan evisa cost only $25. On the other hand. Furthermore, an evisa is only issued for tourism purposes, which is valid for up to 30 days and is a single entry only.

CHECK THE EVISA COST

How Long Does It Take To Process An Azerbaijan Evisa

The government of Azerbaijan requires a tourist to apply for an Azerbaijan e-Visa online at least 3 days before the date of travel. However, it’s best to apply at least 3-5 workings days just to be on the safe side. Also, be aware that an e-Visa application process may take longer when done through a travel agency.

How To Get Your Azerbaijan Evisa Online 

We’ve learned about the visa-free countries, the countries permitted to get a Visa on arrival, and the countries that can apply for an e-Visa. We’ve also learned the requirements for securing your Azerbaijan Visa. Here’s the step by step process for an evisa application:

1. Go to this site that we recommend.
2. Fill out the online form with the required information, such as your email address, arrival date, and other personal information.
3. Pay the required amount using your credit card or PayPal.
4. Wait for the application confirmation on your email address (this is not your evisa yet)
5. Once you receive the approved evisa letter on your email address, you can print it out and present it upon arriving in Azerbaijan.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO AZERBAIJAN

You’re already familiar with the process of applying for an e-Visa! The next step is to know more about the country. So, before you set foot in this part of the world, let’s talk about the things that you should take into consideration before taking your Azerbaijan vacation.

When is the best time to go

The best time to go to Azerbaijan is between April and July; April – June are the months when the flowers bloom and grasses flourish; the period where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. It is for this reason why tourists are attracted to visit the country between these months. July is the best time to hike the Azerbaijan mountains.

What to pack

Aside from your travel documents, you should bring comfortable clothes with you, and clothes that are appropriate for visiting mosques. A comfortable pair of sneakers and flip flops for going out and about Azerbaijan streets and proper hiking wear if you plan on taking on the Azerbaijan mountains.

Other things to bring are sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your body from UV rays, toiletries, medkit, and personal hygiene stuff. Also, we recommend carrying a backpack instead of a roller bag for convenience. It’s easier to move around using a backpack.

Estimated Travel Cost Per Day

Azerbaijan was once an expensive country to tour. However, ever since the price of oil went down, its daily cost of living went down as well. Of course, your daily expenses will depend on what your priority as a traveler is.

The cost of living is higher if you want to experience the country’s luxurious offerings. But if you simply want to immerse yourself in the Azeri culture, you don’t need to spend that much.

Here’s a rough estimate of the average Azerbaijan daily travel costs:

• On the budget: $60/day
• Mid-range: $120/day
• Luxury: $150 and up/day

Language

The most widely spoken language in Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, which is very close to the Turkish tongue. If you are from Turkey or you know how to talk to Turkish, you’ll most certainly find communicating with the locals to be a breeze.

Also, with the country’s history with Russia, many people here, especially in Baku, can speak Russian. If you don’t speak either Turkish or Russian, fret not, because English is widely spoken in this country, too.

Dress Code

Since Azerbaijan people predominantly are Muslims, it is essential to respect their culture and tradition. Wearing revealing clothing can be offensive. However, in Baku, the country’s capital, western-style clothing is widely accepted, and men can wear shorts, too! But, generally speaking, suiting up modestly is the way to go.

Do’s And Dont’s

When visiting a foreign land, it is only reasonable to learn the things that will offend the locals and the things that could get you into serious trouble. Azerbaijan’s population is mostly Muslims, and Muslims are conservative people. For instance, public display of affection may be frowned upon, especially outside of Baku.

Here are some of the things you should avoid

• Do not bring drugs. I’m sure you won’t do it in any other country either.
• Do not proactively offer a handshake to a female.
• Do not wear slippers or shoes inside a local’s house. They will offer you a pair of slippers you can use inside.
• Do not blow your nose in public.
• Do not whistle indoors. Azeris believe it brings bad luck.
• Do not throw away bread. It is also considered bad luck.
• Do not point your fingers towards anyone.
• Do not pat someone’s back. It’s considered rude.
• Do not chew gum while speaking to someone.
• Do not smile in public.

Here are some of the things you should do

• Do offer your food to locals even if you know they won’t accept it. In Azeri culture, it is considered a proper manner.
• Do remember always to say hello and goodbye to the locals. It is unethical not to greet in Azeri culture.
• Do bend slightly when greeting someone in authority as well as the elderly.
• Do bring a gift when going to a local’s house. Locals find it rude if one goes into another’s home empty-handed.
• Do remember that chivalry isn’t dead in Azerbaijan. You are expected to show respect and consideration towards women and the elderly.

That’s about everything that we can share with you about Azerbaijan. We hope that this article will help you on your journey to the country. If you feel that we’ve missed something, feel free to let us know through the comment section below! Happy travels!

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When I jumped on the spontaneous decision to go to Georgia, honestly, I was mostly drawn to their world-class wine. It was one of the best spontaneous decisions I’ve ever made. I was in Georgia for three weeks and was able to travel almost everywhere, even tried to do paragliding for the first time. I hope this Georgia visa guide will be useful for you and I hope that you will enjoy your trip out there!

More than half of the world is welcome to visit Georgia free of visa. Travellers who wish to visit Georgia could stay longer compared to the usual visa-free (30 days) rules of other countries. Find out below if you need a visa when entering Georgia, it’s quite easy and straightforward:

Related Article: Cheap but the Best Hostels in Georgia

COUNTRIES WITH VISA-FREE

365 Days

• All European Union citizens
• Albania
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Australia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belize
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil – ​Brazil visa application online
• Saudi Arabia
• Brunei
• Canada
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominican republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Honduras
• Iceland
• Israel – how to extend your Israel tourist visa
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Liechtenstein
• Malaysia – Malaysia visa guide
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Oman
• Panama
• Qatar
• Russia
• Saint Vincent and Grenadines
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Singapore – Singapore visa guide
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Turkey – Turkey visa guide
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• Ukraine
• British Overseas Territories
• United States
• Uzbekistan
• Vatican City

90 Days

• Chile – 90 days in a 180-day period
• Uruguay

45 Days

• Iran

GEORGIA EVISA

Some nationalities are allowed to acquire an e-visa before entering Georgia. Make sure that you submit your e-visa application as early as possible because the processing time takes some days. The e-visa application costs $20 USD, this is non-refundable if your visa is denied.

During the process, your personal details will be asked, you also need to upload a copy of your passport, and your bank card (VISA, MasterCard) will be needed when paying.

Related Article: How To Use Your Schengen Tourist Visa After The 90-Day Rule

Countries that must get a Georgia evisa

The validity of the evisa is different depending on your nationality, check below how long you can stay in Georgia.

90 days in 180-day period

• Bolivia
• Cuba
• Dominica
• East Timor
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia
• North Macedonia
• Palau
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu

30 days in 120-day period

• Angola
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia – Cambodia visa guide – GET YOUR EVISA
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• China
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Guinea-Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Hong Kong
• India – How to apply for India visa online – EVISA ONLINE

For Countries in Africa, Central, and South America, check HERE.

• Indonesia – Bandung, Indonesia Travel Guide
• Jamaica
• Laos – Laos visa guide
• Lesotho
• Macau
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mongolia
• Mozambique
• Myanmar – Visa Guide for Myanmar – APPLY FOR EVISA HERE
• Namibia
• North Korea
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines – Philippines visa guide
• Rwanda
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Togo
• Vietnam – Visa Guide for Vietnam – GET IT HERE
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

HOW TO APPLY FOR GEORGIA EVISA ONLINE

Here, you will see how to get your Georgia evisa online, I will list down the requirements and step-by-step on how to do it plus tips.

Requirements

Prepare these things before starting your application online. Make sure to have these ready on hand to avoid restarting from the beginning.

• Your passport
• Digital copy of your passport and a passport photo
• Travel details
• Payment (bank card, must be VISA or MasterCard)

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for Georgia evisa

• Go to this page – I use this website to almost all my evisa application
• Click “Apply Now“
• Add your information and do the human verification code then click “next”
• Choose your travel date – in this part, it will show you until when you can stay from your entry date
• The next page is about you agreeing and confirming your purpose of travel and acknowledging the terms and conditions – tick them after reading then click “next”
• Next is to add all your details – upload your passport and photo
• Double check everything before paying – make sure the email address you added is active – you will receive the confirmation there
• After payment, don’t close the window until you receive the email confirmation
• In the next few days (5 days normally), you will receive an email containing the confirmation of your evisa
• Print two copies and present it at the immigration when you land

NOTE: You can also check this official website of Georgia evisa.

I hope that you found this article about Georgia visa guide useful. If you have any questions, let me know in the comment section below.

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Azerbaijan is definitely not the first place you will think of for travelling or holiday. This article will show off the beauty of their country but also how their culture, history, and people. Read this guide on how you can apply for Azerbaijan visa. 

Azerbaijan is ready to welcome every tourist and curious traveller to understand how tourism can contribute to many aspects of humanity and the welfare of the world. If you don’ t know much about this beautiful country, check out these interesting facts about Azerbaijan.

In this article, nine travel bloggers who have been to Azerbaijan collaborate together and tell their own story about the thing they love during their visit.

Azerbaijan Points of Interest

We will talk about places that you can visit in Azerbaijan, food to try, and activities to experience. If you are either down for an adventure, a foodie traveller, or simply a history geek, this post will help you see the beauty of Azerbaijan.

Mud Volcanoes

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

The mud volcanoes are one of the most unique sites in Azerbaijan. They are located about 2 hours southwest of Baku, in the area of Gobustan which is also the home to rock art. The areas are home to several dozen mud volcanoes, none are over 4 meters high. Some are dried, but others spew mud that looks like flowing lava. But this lava isn’t extra hot – it’s cold to the touch. It feels really nice to walk around in your bare feet.

Other volcanoes are blowing gas bubbles that inflate the mud and then pops, only for the mud bubbles to start growing again. The bubbles form due to the high oil content in the mud. To get to the mud volcanoes, you must have a tour or private driver who knows where he’s going. The mud volcanoes are free and it’s possible to bush camp in the vicinity of the mud volcanoes.

Recommended by Lisa of TheHotFlashPacker

Where to Eat in Baku

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

One of the best things to do in Azerbaijan, especially Baku is…. eat! There are so many places to eat Azerbaijani food in the city that it will blow visitors’ minds, but not every place is created equal even if they are all serving similar types of traditional Azeri food. One thing to note about traditional restaurants in Baku is that they are often below ground. What appears to be a small underground cafe from the outside will be a large, thriving restaurant once inside! There is often live music, a smoking section, and a friendly atmosphere waiting for you.

My favourite restaurant was Sirvansah Musey restaurant which was situated a bit outside of the city centre. The atmosphere was far from tacky and the dolma were to die for! Closer to the city centre, I liked Nargiz and Dolma. Dolma may be known for its dolma but it was the soft and pillowy dushbara (dumpling soup) that captured my heart. On the hill, the restaurant Nakhchivan was also a great place to eat, offering customers an insight into the food of Nakhchivan, a region far removed from the rest of Azerbaijan.

While the country of Azerbaijan may have several things for tourists to do, I definitely recommend eating traditional food in Baku as there is a variety for everyone to enjoy.

Recommended by Megan of Megan Starr

Visit a Carpet Weaving Workshop in Quba

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

As well as being one of the country’s most profitable industries, carpet weaving is an important part of Azeri identity and a source of great national pride. From the illustrious Carpet Museum in Baku—the first of its kind in the world when it opened—to homespun workshops in small villages, seeing and learning about carpet weaving is a must-do when in Azerbaijan.

Located 170km northwest of Baku, the city of Quba is home to one of the country’s seven classical carpet weaving schools. There are many workshops still operating in Quba, making it the perfect place to see the tapestry and soumak carpets being made by hand.

Qadim Quba, located on the town’s main street, is one of the most popular carpet weaving workshops to visit in Azerbaijan. Walk-in visitors are welcome to wander through the open, airy workroom and observe the master weavers who work on giant tandem looms. There is no entry fee, and the women are generally happy to be photographed (although it is polite to ask first before pulling your camera out).

Quba carpets are traditionally woven from wool and bare geometric patterns and zoomorphic motifs. At Qadim Quba, women weave everything from huge floor rugs to small prayer mats and contemporary house rugs. When we visited in 2017, we were surprised to see so many young women working the looms. It’s wonderful to see that carpet weaving is a skill being passed down to the next generation.

There is a small gift shop attached to the workshop where you can purchase examples of the women’s handiwork.

How to get there: Quba can easily be visited as a day or overnight trip from Baku. To get there, take a marshrutka from Baku’s main bus terminal. The journey takes just over 2 hours, and ticket costs 4 AZN.

Recommend by Emily of Wander-Lush

​Sheki and the Caravanserai of the Silk Road

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

Sheki is a key stopping point on the ancient Silk Road – the overland route from Europe to Asia. It’s located on the main route between the Tbilisi, stunning capital of Georgia and the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. Caravanserais were built early in the 19th century in order to house travellers on the Silk Road. They’re what we would think of as large guest houses or hostels that would accommodate travelling merchants, their goods and supporting animals that transported them.

All in a safe secure environment. They became places to trade, exchanges not just goods and services but ideas and cultures too. Usually positioned within a day’s journey of each other, they were designed to provide safety and security to the travellers and their goods.

The design of private rooms, with storage areas underneath reached by ladders around a central courtyard where the merchants would set up a business to buy, sell and barter is evident in the gorgeous example of a caravanserai in Sheki. The Hotel Karavansaray is now a place where you can rest your head in safety and security again, staying in the same rooms the merchants used, with, perhaps somewhat more comfort and luxury!

Sheki is a lovely place to start your trip to Azerbaijan if you’ve come from Tbilisi as we did, it’s worth also checking out the Sheki Xan Saravai, the Sheki Khan’s summer palace, which is stunning.

How to Get to Sheki:

• From Tbilisi via Qax take a Marshrutka: it will probably take all day starting at 0800 including waiting. Or take a taxi from Tbilisi to the border, then walk across and take another taxi.
• By Train via Balakan and then taxi
• From Baku to Balakan by train then taxi

No fees charged for looking in the Caravanserai (Hotel Karavansaray) – rooms from 50 AZN

Recommended by Sarah of A Social Nomad

RELATED POST: Best Hostels in Georgia and Georgia Visa Guide

Explore the Old Town in Baku

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is such a diverse and interesting city. While I loved the place in total the area that stole my heart the most was the old town. For me, it was one of the highlights of visiting Azerbaijan. Hidden behind the city walls it’s like a different world, taken straight from “One Thousand and One Nights” where the time has stopped. Wandering around really feels like walking in the fairy tale, with exotic architecture and Islamic details everywhere.

Only the Flame Towers you can see in the background remind you that it’s the heart of the busy and modern capital. For me the best time to visit the old town of Baku was in the morning where all the businesses were still closed, there were very few people around and I could enjoy the place to the fullest. One of the biggest attractions of the area is Maiden Tower, dating back to the 12th century. Together with the rest of the old town, it became part of UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.

You can and should visit the tower – not only it hosts an interesting museum inside but from the top, you can admire probably the best view of the old town, with winding lanes, minaret towers and more. In July 2018 the entrance fee was 12 manats. Baku Old Town is located only a few minutes away from the central Fountains Square and the seaside promenade. You can also get here by metro – the station İçərişəhər on the red line is located just outside the old town walls.

Recommended by Kamila of My Wanderlust 

Be Amused by Zahhak Castle

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

Perhaps the main reason to visit this castle is the historical significance it has to the East Azerbaijan Province. It is named after a figure in Persian mythology, and at the time of this writing, no fee for coming to see this amazing landmark.

It is situated at an altitude of 2300 meters, and it requires a one-hour hike to the castle from the place you park your car. The castle was first discovered by a British army officer by name of Monteith in 1830 and later excavated by British archaeologists during that same time period.

He noted the architecture, which included a square-shaped hall made of bricks-a great design feat of the Parthian period. The four Zoroastrianism elements are referenced in the 4-Arches hall-it features and 11 by 11-meter square-shaped hall with four entrances to four corridors all built with bricks. Zoroastrianism was the religion of the ruling kings at the time. It is likely that the kings of the time also used this place as a fire temple.

Unfortunately, Monteith ordered the destruction of the beautiful castle. He believed there was treasure underneath the columns of Chaghar Taghi, or the four-arches hall. Thankfully he stopped after not finding any treasures in the first destroyed column

The view from the castle is simply stunning. You can look out of one of the archways out at the tall mountains nearby. It makes for a great photo opportunity, too. Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization is studying this landmark as time goes on.

Recommended by Kaila of NomList

Visit Nakchivan

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

Not many people visit the autonomous republic of Nakhchivan when they are in Azerbaijan, perhaps because it seems too difficult or (more likely) because they haven’t heard of it. Nakhchivan is a province of Azerbaijan that is cut off from the rest of the country, which is technically called an “exclave.” To get to Nakhchivan, you have to fly from Baku, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs 70 manat (about 35 euros) each way. It’s considered a domestic flight so you don’t have to worry about passport control.

Nakhchivan is a beautiful province well worth spending a few days in. Nakhchivan City is very interesting, with unique architecture and a seriously empty vibe. People in Nakhchivan are extremely friendly and curious to meet foreigners so it is a very welcoming place to be. You shouldn’t miss the Momima Khan monument or Noah’s mausoleum, both located inside Nakhchivan City. But you should definitely hire a driver and see some of Nakhchivan’s other sites. I highly recommend seeing Alinja Fortress, the city of Ordubad, the beautiful Lake Batabat, Duzdag Sanatorium, and the mausoleum in Qarabaglar.

Hiring a driver costs about 150 manat for a full-day excursion but it depends on your negotiation skills, of course. However, most sights in Nakhchivan have no entry fee so besides the cost of a driver you will not be spending much money. To learn more about this region, check out my extensive Nakhchivan travel guide.

Recommended by Allison of Eternal Arrival

See The Petroglyphs of Qobustan

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

This UNESCO Heritage Site encompasses a few hills set in a rocky and desolated part of the country. The collection and density of primitive rock art, or petroglyphs, available here makes it one of the must-see places in Azerbaijan. I have been to other lesser-known archaeological UNESCO sites in Asia, such as the Lenggong Valley in Malaysia, and the Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is one of my favourites: visitors enter the park and climb up a narrow path to the first rocks.

The clusters of human figures are clearly marked and stunningly preserved: it is believed that, given the density of the artworks — which include, besides the classic stick figures of men, also hunting scenes, and boats, which made archaeologists believe there was once a sea here — Qobustan was once a gathering place of sorts, where ancient men performed community rituals. True or not, coming here today still is a powerful experience: the rocks, set high above a barren expanse, retain a somewhat magical feel. And the petroglyphs are some of the most stunningly preserved in the whole world.

It is very recommended to visit the excellent Qobustan Museum, whose ticket is included in the admission price, before going to the rocks. The exhibit explains the local history with great care and detail, using an impressive play of projections to highlight the changes in the carving styles.

How to get there: The Park is roughly 65km from Baku. Take public bus 125 from the Maiden’s Tower and get off at the last stop (0.20 Manat). Here, change to bus 195 bound to Alat (0.80 Manat) and alight at the town of Qobustan. The national park is about 4km from the bus stop, and it’s fairly easy to hail a local taxi. Taxis come here from Baku, too — make sure to haggle hard.

Entry fee: 4 Manat per adult

Recommended by  Marco of Penang-Insider

Experi​ence the Xinaliq

Why is this one of the Azerbaijan points of interest?

Located at 2,350 meters above sea level, if you counted Azerbaijan as part of Europe, Xinaliq would be one of the highest villages in the continent.

A real Caucasian village, located at the very north of Azerbaijan, bordering the Russian and conflictive Chechenia, Xinaliq is also home to the most breathtaking landscape in the country, composed of snow-capped peaks and velvet-smooth green rolling hills, which gives endless trekking opportunities.

Moreover, the people from Xinaliq have a distinct language and belong to different ethnicity, most people being blonde and blue-eyed, very different from the rest of Azerbaijan.

Today, the village is finally opening to tourism and the inhabitants himself have opened quite a few guest houses where you can experience the traditional, rural life of the region.

How to get there

In Baku, take the metro to Avtogavzal, which is the main bus station. Take a bus to Quba, which costs around 5AZN. The journey takes around 3:30 hrs.

Once in Quba, during high season, you can take a shared local taxi to Xinaliq but, if you come out of season, you will have to get a private taxi, with prices ranging from 30 to 50AZN. You can also check out this Azerbaijan itinerary.

Recommended by Joan of Against The Compass

Explore Ganja

Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, is a gem that few tourists venture to. A four-hour bus ride from Baku, a visit to Ganja is a visit to an Azeri city sans the bustle and foreigners in Baku. Not the precious town of Sheki or a quiet village-like Quba, Ganja is a true city with the same population as Pittsburg. However, because it’s slightly out of the way, you’ll have wide Soviet boulevards, important Islamic pilgrimage sites, and gorgeous mountain lakes all to yourself. 

While there, you can stay at the old soviet Ganja hotel, which is a Wes Anderson’s lover’s dream. While it’s been redone since the fall of the Soviet Union, the style has remained much the same. Across the street might be the best sushi restaurant in Azerbaijan, Epikur Bagi. Spend one or two days exploring the unique sites here, like the folk art Bottle House and Alexander Nevsky, the Armenian Orthodox Church, and you’ll see a side of Azerbaijan you won’t find anywhere else.

You’ll also want to dedicate one or two days to day trips. You can easily see Lake Goygol, the Imamzadeh, and Nizami’s Mausoleum in one inexpensive and easy day trip. You might choose to spend another day visiting Naftalan, an old soviet sanatorium where visitor’s bathe in crude oil.

Make sure to visit Heydar Aliev park, which might be the most Instagrammable spot in all of Ganja!

Recommend by Stephanie of History Fan Girl

I would like to send my thank you to all nine travel bloggers who contributed on this round-up article. Thank you so much!

If you have any questions, you can drop them in the comment section below.

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Georgia is one of the countries which they call the portal between Europe and Asia. The buildings are carved straight from the European architectures whilst the local’s hospitality is exceptional just like the Asians. I’ve met locals who showed me the best places to eat Georgian food like Kachapuri and Khinkali for such great price.

Travelling solo is fun, mostly because you will never be alone anyway. If you stay in the hostel, more or less you will bump into different kind of travellers coming from every corner of the world. There are many things to enjoy in Georgia, check this Georgia travel guide.

My two weeks of travelling in Georgia was amazing, I met cool and fun people along the way, most of them are through the hostels I stayed in.  I hope this compilation will help you not feeling lonely whilst exploring this beautiful country. For Svaneti, check this where to stay in Svaneti.

RELATED POST: Georgia Visa Guide

Recommended Hostels in Tbilisi, Georgia

City Hostel Wine Rise

Dorm bed: 8 USD

Why is this one of my Recommended Hostels in Georgia?

City Hostel Wine Rise has the perfect location a traveller would ever ask for. Only 5-minute walk to the Old Tbilisi, Cable Car (which will take you to the Mother of Georgia, the viewpoint of Tbilisi, and Botanical Garden), and a 10-minute walk to the Liberty Square. Metro and Buses are also just walking distance. City Hostel Wine Rise is also the newest hostel in the city which means, you can confidently expect a soft and comfortable bed, clean common bathroom, a kitchen which is equipped with basic needs. The staffs are also very friendly and speak English very well, you can easily ask for some suggestions about the city.

For more reviews, check Trip Advisor. For updated prices, check Booking.com, Agoda, and HostelWorld

Pushkin 10 Hostel

Dorm Bed: 11 USD

Why is this one of my Recommended Hostels in Georgia?

I honestly didn’t stay here but I get the chance to stop by and check out the hostel. The owners and staffs were so nice and helpful. The location was quite good as well, only 10-minute walk to the Old Tbilisi, 5-minute to the Metro and the city centre. They also have a common kitchen where you can make small meals and a common living room where you can hang out with the other guests.

For more reviews, check Trip Advisor. For updated prices, check Booking.com, Agoda, and HostelWorld

Diwan Hostel

Dorm Bed: 9 USD

Private Room: 34 USD

Why is this one of my Recommended Hostels in Georgia?

I stayed at Diwan Hostel for three nights, it’s a good place to meet travellers if you are travelling solo. The location is also quite fine, 10-minute with a little hill walk from Liberty Square. There is a common kitchen where you can cook a small meal if you feel like. The beds are quite uncomfortable due to the fact they’re a bit old, but I have noticed that it’s quite standard in Tbilisi. The staffs are very friendly and helpful, they make good tea!

For more reviews, check Trip Advisor. For updated prices, check Booking.com and Agoda

Pomegranate Hostel

Dorm Bed: 5.5 USD

Private Room: 20 USD

Why is this one of my Recommended Hostels in Georgia?

If you are on a tight budget and not very picky, Pomegranate Hostel offers low-budget dorm rooms. The bed weren’t very comfortable as it was a little bit old. However, this is a great place if you want to meet other travellers. The location wasn’t bad either, 15-minute walk to the Old Tbilisi, 7-minute to the city centre and 3-minute to the big supermarket. A small kitchen is open for everyone as long as you clean after yourself.

For more reviews, check Trip Advisor. For updated prices, check Booking.com, Agoda, and HostelWorld

RELATED POST: Top Things To Do In Tbilisi

Recommended Hostels in Batumi, Georgia

Elefhteria Guest House

Dorm: 12 USD

Private Room (two single beds): 26 USD

Why is this one of my Recommended Hostels in Georgia?

The location is exceptional, it was nestled right in the heart of Batumi. It takes a 5-minute walk to the beach, city centre, and cable car station. There are also some grocery stores and wine shops nearby. Even the bed are quite small, it was very comfortable. The entire guest house was very clean and in order and cooking in the kitchen is possible as well. The locals who live in the compound are really friendly, they try to help you even with they don’t speak a lot of English. Marie, the one who was in-charge speak very well English.

For more reviews, check Trip Advisor. For updated prices, check Booking.com.

RELATED POST: Weird and Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi

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Go Wild And Go Paragliding Over The Caucasus Region - Fly Caucasus Paragliding​

Gudauri, Georgia