How I could cross the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan from Lagodekhi (GE) to Balakan (AZ)

On 4 January 2026, I asked the following question in the WhatsApp group „Cycling East / Silk Road“:

„I also want to cross the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan this year and have the same problem as everyone else here. Why don't we team up and write a petition that we can send to the government in Azerbaijan?“

Along with other responses, I received the following comment:

„There were rumours this summer about an underground bicycle tunnel under the Caspian Sea, weren't there? 😉 That might happen sooner 😂."

Therefore, I decided to look for a solution myself that very same day.

The background is the situation at the land border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. This border was closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The measure was imposed by Azerbaijan and not by Georgia. Since then, the so-called special quarantine has been extended multiple times, most recently until at least the summer of 2026.

The resulting situation is as follows:

Entry into Azerbaijan by air is permitted.
Entry into Azerbaijan by land, including from Georgia, is generally not permitted.

On 15 January 2026, I received a message from a senior advisor in the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the content of which was as follows:

„We hereby wish to officially inform you of the outcome of your application to the Presidential Administration. We are pleased to inform you that your request regarding border crossing from Georgia to the Republic of Azerbaijan in April has been duly reviewed and approved.“

I cannot judge whether this was an isolated exception or a procedure that could also work for others.

This is how I proceeded

I have sent a formal request via email to the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan I sent it along with a photo of me and my bicycle, and a copy of my EU travel pass. I also indicated the period I intend to cross the border.

About ten days later, I received a positive reply.

Thanks to this authorisation, I was able to cross the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan today with almost no problems by bicycle.

Interestingly, the problem today wasn't entering Azerbaijan, but getting permission to leave from the Georgian authorities. As they were firmly convinced the border was closed, they weren't letting me through. It took a lot of patience until I finally got my exit stamp and was allowed through to the Azerbaijani checkpoint.

From then on, it was easy and fast, and I was received with great kindness.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the authorities who granted me entry, and I hope and wish that this will also be possible for all cyclists after me.