Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The creation of ASAN Viza system, ensuring a convenient and fast way of getting visa to Azerbaijan, has been welcomed by the U.S. as a new impetus to develop the tourism sector.

The U.S. Embassy in Baku applauded the establishment of the system allowing foreigners to get visa through a single online portal within three days without applying to state organizations.

The Embassy believes that increasing transparency and ease of access to government services is always a good step.

"The ASAN Viza system should make it easier for visitors from around the world to visit Azerbaijan," said the embassy. "We understand that the U.S. will be included in the list of countries, citizens of which will be able to receive these e-visas."

The embassy further noted that ASAN Viza system would advance Azerbaijan's goals of expanding the tourism industry and improve the attractiveness of doing business in Azerbaijan to the U.S. travelers, businesses, and investors, while still maintaining border security.

The recent order of President Ilham Aliyev on facilitation of issuance of electronic visas and the establishment of ASAN Viza system will make life easier for many foreigners.

The presidential order signed on June 1 and entered into force on June 6, aimed at simplification of e-visas issuance procedure for foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan.

In addition, creation of an e-visa system will ensure transparency and efficiency with the use of modern information technologies.

Earlier, Head of EU Delegation in Azerbaijan Malena Mard said that they support the facilitation of visa issuance and establishment of ASAN Viza, estimating the order as "very important".

She believes that the order will create an opportunity of tourist flow to Azerbaijan from the European Union countries, expressing the confidence that the decision will bring success.

Local experts believe that the order will create an opportunity for attracting more tourists and development of tourism in the country.

The only thing to do, instead of going to the diplomatic mission and talking with foreign officials, is to enter requested details onto "ASAN Viza" and pay the proper stamp duty. And three days later, the visa will be sent to e-mail of an applicant.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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