Azerbaijan has prolonged the closure of its land border with Georgia until July 2026. This decision, authorized by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, continues a policy initiated in March 2020, ostensibly to combat the spread of COVID-19. The border remains shut to pedestrian traffic.
Previous extensions have offered only vague justifications, citing the need to prevent the pandemic’s dissemination and mitigate potential complications. Despite the World Health Organization’s declaration that the global health emergency has ended in May 2023, and the widespread removal of similar restrictions by most nations, Azerbaijan maintains this measure. The country has abandoned other pandemic-related protocols, including mask mandates and vaccination requirements.
Entry by air is permitted for Azerbaijanis and foreign visitors without PCR tests or proof of vaccination. However, cargo transport from countries like Georgia, Russia, Iran, and Turkey is still allowed via land. Furthermore, crossing into Turkey from Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan remains possible.
Critics have long voiced concerns about the impact of this land border closure on Azerbaijani citizens, particularly those unable to afford air travel. Allegations persist that the closure benefits the family of President Ilham Aliyev and the national airline, Azerbaijan Airlines. Recent events, including the influx of refugees from Iran due to the ongoing conflict, have further clouded the situation at the border, leaving the specifics of permitted crossings uncertain.
Azerbaijan’s continued land border restrictions remain a significant issue.
Topics: #azerbaijan #land #border
Azerbaijan has extended the closure of its land border with Georgia until July 2026.