Europe

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• We advise against all travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the military occupied area surrounding it.
  

• Azerbaijan has changed its visa regime. See Entry Requirements - Visas.
  

• Azerbaijan faces a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets and places frequented by foreigners.

• Around 5,000 British nationals visit Azerbaijan every year, mainly on business. Five British nationals required consular assistance in Azerbaijan in the period 01 April  2010 - 31 March 2011.  See General - Consular Assistance - Statistics.

• For identification purposes you should carry the correct document at all times. See Local Laws and Customs and Entry Requirements.

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

Azerbaijan faces a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners, such as international hotels, restaurants and pubs, as well as energy sector facilities. You should be aware of these risks and take sensible precautions.  We are aware of US reporting of the potential for attacks in Azerbaijan, including against American interests.  British nationals in Azerbaijan are advised to exercise vigilance at all times.

See our terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Visitors to Azerbaijan are generally welcomed. Crime levels in Baku are generally low, but muggings do occur from time to time after dark in the centre of town around the western bars and clubs and near dimly lit entrances of private apartments. Take sensible precautions: be vigilant, avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t walk alone at night in dark and unlit streets. Try to arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible by a reliable driver.

• a private or company driver
• or a taxi and driver known personally to you
• or one accredited to the hotel you are staying in

Report any crimes to the local police station or contact the Police Office of Crimes By and Against Foreigners on 490 9532 or 490 9452 out of office hours. When making a report to the Police take someone with you, preferably your company representative or someone who you know and can translate for you. Do not sign any documents you do not understand.  Corruption is an everyday aspect of life in Azerbaijan, despite regulations prohibiting corrupt activities by public officials and others. We do not recommend the payment of bribes under any circumstances. For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Safety and Security - Local travel

We advise against all travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the military occupied area surrounding it. This area is the subject of a continuing dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia and although a cease-fire has been in place since 1994 there are regular exchanges of gunfire across the Line of Contact. Some areas may be heavily land mined.

You should not attempt to enter or leave Azerbaijan via the land borders with Russia (i.e. Dagestan) as these are closed to foreign nationals. If you hold a valid visa it is possible to cross the Iranian border at Astara.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road travel

You can drive in Azerbaijan using a licence issued by an EU country or by using an International Driving Licence. Right hand drive cars are not permitted in Azerbaijan – therefore you will not be able to enter / transit Azerbaijan in a RHD vehicle.

Care should be taken when driving in Azerbaijan (particularly at night). Many roads and are of poor quality and are badly lit. Many cars are poorly maintained, and the standard of driving is erratic. Most taxis do not have seat belts.

Drink driving laws are strict and there is a zero limit on drinking alcohol and driving.

See our driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel

The Baku Metro is reasonably maintained, overcrowded during peak hours, and has basic safety equipment and procedures. Wagons are equipped with fire extinguishers, emergency contact buttons with the driver, manual door handles for emergency exits, and safety instructions inside the wagons. However, signs are in Azerbaijani language. There are police stations at each station and security checks of bags and belongings are carried out at the entrance of each station.

If you travel by overland train, secure your valuables, do not leave the compartment unattended, and lock the door from the inside.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air travel

It is not known whether safety procedures on aircraft used for internal and regional flights meet international standards. Take this into consideration before using internal or regional flights.

For more general information see airline security.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Azerbaijan Country Profile
The political situation in Azerbaijan is calm.

Demonstrations, both opposition and Government sponsored, occasionally take place in Azerbaijan, and mainly in Baku. Opposition rallies are usually heavily policed and there has been violence on occasions. Keep well away from any official or unofficial gathering of a political nature.

Ninety-eight percent of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim.  Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, and religion is usually considered a private matter. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

See our travelling during Ramadan page. Local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing. However, while becoming more acceptable, it is frowned upon for men (and to a certain extent women) to wear shorts, even in the height of summer. This can attract unwelcome attention especially outside Baku.

Possession or use of illegal drugs of any kind carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. The usual penalty for smuggling drugs is a prison term of between three to seven years and/or heavy fines.

Police occasionally carry out checks of identity documents. You should carry your passport at all times, in a secure manner, and to keep a photocopy of the details page separately in a safe place. If you intend to remain in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days you should see the Entry Requirements section (below) for advice on local ID cards.

Homosexual, lesbian and transgender activity is legal in Azerbaijan, but many Azerbaijanis disapprove of public displays of affection.

You need an export certificate to take carpets and anything else considered antique out of Azerbaijan; these are available from the Carpet Museum or can be arranged through the seller. Catalogue and declare to Customs any carpets or anything antique looking – even if clearly from a different part of the world - that you bring to Azerbaijan with you. Your relocation company should be able to offer you advice on this.

Use common sense when considering photographing sites such as military bases, equipment and installations in whatever condition. These are considered sensitive areas, and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to visit them. Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites. If in doubt, seek permission.

See our your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

Azerbaijan changed its visa on arrival regime in October 2010, it is no longer possible to obtain a visa on arrival at Baku International Airport. All British nationals travelling to Azerbaijan must obtain a visa in advance. You should not attempt to travel without a visa as you are likely to be refused entry to Azerbaijan.

In April 2011, Parliament approved ‘simplified’ regulations on the issuance of tourist entry visas and the introduction of electronic visas.  We advise visitors to check with the nearest Azerbaijan Embassy for further details.

We advise visitors to apply for a visa at the nearest Azerbaijan Embassy at least one month ahead of your intended travel date. The organisation/person inviting you to Azerbaijan must submit a letter of invitation on your behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Baku. If approved, authorisation will be sent by the MFA to Azerbaijan Embassy in London instructing them to issue the visa.

Ensure you check the duration of your visa immediately in order to avoid overstaying unintentionally. Your visa should be valid when departing Azerbaijan.  In exceptional circumstances you may be able to apply to the State Migration Service (SMS) for an extension to your visa. Their address is 202 Binagadi Highway, 3123 Block, Binagadi district, Baku city, AZ1114, Azerbaijan Republic. Tel: +994 (0)12 562 56 23 / +994 (0)12 562 57 73  /  E-mail: info@migration.gov.az

Alternatively, try the Migration Information Centre: Tel: 919 (in country calls only)

You can extend a visa up to a maximum of three months at a cost of AZN30 per

If you overstay you can obtain an ‘Exit Permit’ letter (an official letter giving permission to leave Azerbaijan within 48 hours) from the State Migration Service before you depart. You will be liable to a fine of between AZN300 to AZN400 (you should obtain a receipt). This fine must be paid to the State Migration Service – either at the State Migration Service desk at the airport or at the State Migration Service office at 2020 Binagadi Highway 3123 Block, Binagadi district, Baku city, AZ1114, Azerbaijan Republic.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Azerbaijan. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of three months from the expiration date of your Azerbaijani visa.

Entry Requirements - Caspian Sea ferry services

If you intend to take one of the Caspian Sea ferry services from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan or Kazakhstan you should be aware that you need a valid visa for that country before you travel. You may find that if you arrive at your destination without a valid visa you will be returned back to Azerbaijan. Please note that there is now an Embassy of Turkmenistan in Baku from where British nationals can obtain visas.

Entry Requirements - Staying for longer than 30 days

All foreign nationals staying in Azerbaijan for longer than 30 days are required to carry an official ID card. This can be obtained from the police station nearest to your residence. We advise you to carry a photocopy of your passport details page and existing Azerbaijan visa while your application for a new or renewed visa or ID card is being processed. This can take between 1-2 weeks. Ministry of Interior Police conduct random checks of expatriates, and have detained some who were not carrying valid ID cards in accordance with the law.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
For information on exactly what will be required at immigration contact the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

Medical facilities outside Baku are very limited.  Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to, Turkey or Western Europe. You should therefore ensure that your insurance covers this.

There have been outbreaks of rabies in the remote rural areas of Azerbaijan and there is usually a small number of malaria cases during the summer months particularly in the southern part of Azerbaijan.

Do not drink tap water as it may be unsafe but safe bottled water is readily available.

Be aware that contaminated locally produced alcoholic spirits are sometimes sold in small local bars and restaurants.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,500 adults aged 15 or over in Azerbaijan were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Azerbaijan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our travel health page.

The Caucasus is an area of regular seismic activity, although there have been no recent serious earthquakes in Azerbaijan.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive medical as well as travel insurance to cover illness, injury and loss of money, baggage and tickets before travelling. Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Turkey or Western Europe so you should ensure that your insurance covers this. 

See our travel insurance page. 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registering with the British Embassy

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Consular Assistance

The British Embassy provides a full consular assistance service, including issuing passports, registering births and deaths and certain notarial acts.  However, the Embassy no longer issues full validity passports. Your application will now be processed in the UK or at the Regional Passport Processing Centre in Germany. You should allow at least four weeks for the application to be processed. See our passports page for further information.

General - Consular Assistance - Statistics

Around 5,000 British nationals visit Azerbaijan every year, mainly on business. Five British nationals required consular assistance in Azerbaijan in the period 01 April  2010 - 31 March 2011, including for one hospitalisation and one arrest.

General - Money
All goods and services should be paid for in local currency (Manats). Sterling, US Dollars and Euros can easily be exchanged for the local currency. Major hotels and international supermarkets and restaurants accept credit cards. You are advised not to carry large amounts of cash. ATMs can be found in most major towns and cities. Prior to leaving the United Kingdom you are advised to contact your bank and inform them that you will be travelling to Azerbaijan. For anti-fraud reasons UK banks will often place a block on any UK issued credit or debit cards that you use in Azerbaijan if you have not informed them before travelling.