Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Discuss Mutual Recognition of Biometric ID Cards for Border Crossing

Representatives of Uzbekistan’s Department for Visa and Registration of Foreign Citizens (UVVIOG) and Azerbaijan’s State Migration Service held online negotiations to discuss the potential mutual recognition of biometric ID cards for border crossing, with participation from consular and legal departments of both countries’ foreign ministries, news agency Dunyo reported.

The proposed measure aims to simplify travel for citizens of both nations, strengthen bilateral relations, and expand cooperation in migration policy. If approved, citizens of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will be able to cross borders using biometric ID cards without requiring an international passport.

Officials anticipate that the initiative will facilitate trade, economic ties, cultural exchanges, and tourism between the two countries.

Currently, Azerbaijan and Turkey allow mutual visits using biometric ID cards, and Azerbaijani citizens enjoy visa-free travel to several countries, including Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, for up to 90 days.

Authorities suggest that expanding ID card recognition to additional countries in the future could further enhance regional tourism and cultural exchanges.