Europe

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. For more general information see terrorism abroad.

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. Some incidents have also occurred near dimly lit entrances of private apartments.

 

You should 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. You should ideally arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible by a reliable driver.

You should report any crimes to the local police station. Alternatively you can 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 every day 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.

 

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. We recommend that you keep well away from any official or unofficial gathering of a political nature.

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.

Road travel

You can drive in Azerbaijan using a licence issued by an EU country or by using an International Driving Licence.

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.

 

For more general information see driving abroad.

Rail Travel

As with other forms of public transport the Baku Metro is poorly maintained, often overcrowded and has inadequate safety and emergency equipment and procedures.  Should you travel by train, secure your valuables, do not leave the compartment unattended, and lock the door from the inside.

Air travel

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

For more general information see airline security.