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Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan due to terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
Country Summary: Terrorist groups that continue to plot attacks pose a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Until September 2020 the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding territories were under Armenian control. Following seven weeks of armed hostilities in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan took control of these seven territories and parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. While the November 2020 ceasefire arrangement has largely held, military incidents occur on a regular basis. From September 13-15, 2022, military activity took place along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, which caused damage to towns near the border.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Azerbaijan.
If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:
Border with Armenia– Level 4: Do not Travel
There is the potential fighting along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border as part of the ongoing armed conflict. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice. The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region.
Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh due to landmine contamination and restricted access.
Six months
One page per stamp
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Travelers may bring in any amount of foreign currency as long as they declare it upon arrival
Travelers may depart Azerbaijan with up to $10,000 USD in cash. Travelers may depart with up to $50,000 USD or equivalent provided that they declared the cash amount in writing upon arrival. For more information on currency operations, please visit the official website of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan
111 Azadliq Prospecti
AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan
Telephone: +(994) (12) 488-3300
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(994) (12) 488-3300
Fax: +(994) (12) 488-3695
ConsularBaku@state.gov
You need a passport and a visa to enter Azerbaijan. Acquire a visa that covers the dates of your trip before you go. Visit the Embassy of Azerbaijan’s website for the most current visa information.
Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to, and foreign residents of, Azerbaijan. Medical tests are required for those applying for temporary or permanent residence permits and must be performed at designated clinics in Azerbaijan.
For immunization information, please visit the Traveler’s Health page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, vehicles and rudimentary IEDs– to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
For more information, see our Terrorism page.
The Nagorno-Karabakh Area and Conflict:
U.S. citizens of Armenian descent may encounter anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan.
Exercise caution in the region of Nardaran, located approximately 28 miles (45 km) from Baku on the Absheron Peninsula. Nardaran is culturally conservative and has been the site of several anti-United States and anti-Israel protests. It has also been the subject of government raids, which have sometimes resulted in violence.
Crime: Crime is relatively low. The majority of reported crimes involve burglary, assault, or petty crime such as pickpocketing.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Avoid demonstrations and riots, which police have previously suppressed with force. Demonstrations occur periodically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizens who are victims of crime should report crimes to the local police and then contact the U.S. Embassy. Contact the local police by dialing 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+994 12) 488 3300. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. The U.S. Embassy cannot investigate crimes, provide legal advice, or represent U.S. citizens in court.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance identifying local resources for victims of domestic violence, which can include shelters, medical assistance, and legal aid. Victims may contact the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs by telephone at +994 12 498 00 92 or office@scfwca.gov.az for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in Baku. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of Baku and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Your U.S passport will not prevent you from being arrested or prosecuted. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. There are often delays in consular notification after arrests of U.S. citizens. See our webpage for further information.
You can be legally detained in jail for up to three months during an investigation.
It is illegal to take photographs of military installations and equipment. Police may stop you even if you take photographs of non-military sites, like oil fields, buildings, and public squares. Cooperate with the police.
Special Circumstances: Azerbaijan has mandatory military service for male citizens ages 18 to 35. If Azerbaijan considers you a citizen, you could face fines or arrest if you have not completed your military service. Dual citizen males ages 18 to 35 have reported being unable to depart Azerbaijan – regardless of whether they entered Azerbaijan as U.S. or Azerbaijani citizens – because a prohibition was placed on their exit due to non-service. In such cases, the individual’s travel back to the United States is often delayed until they resolve the matter with the relevant Azerbaijan government office. The U.S. Embassy in Baku cannot resolve this problem for affected individuals. Information regarding Azerbaijan’s mandatory military service, including contact information, can be found on Azerbaijan’s State Service for Mobilization and Conscription website. Those who wish to renounce their Azerbaijani citizenship may seek to do so at any Azerbaijani Embassy or Consulate, and can read about the process here.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
LGBTI Travelers: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals are not specifically protected by antidiscrimination laws. Societal intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity remain a problem in Azerbaijan. It is not illegal to organize LGBTI events, but societal intolerance generally prevents LGBTI events. LGBTI individuals have reported that employers sometimes find other reasons to fire LGBTI employees due to their sexual orientation. One of the main concerns for the local LGBTI community is the perceived failure of law enforcement agencies to act on violations of LGBTI individuals’ rights and indifference to investigating crimes committed against the LGBTI community in Azerbaijan. The Department of State’s most recent Human Rights Report documents incidents of police brutality against individuals based on sexual orientation and noted that authorities did not investigate or punish those responsible.
See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of the Human Rights Report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Azerbaijan enacted a national law protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in 2018 however accessibility for persons with disabilities is limited throughout the country.
Many older buildings, tourist shops, stores sidewalks, roads crossings and public transportation are not accessible. Other than in major international hotels in Baku, there are few handicap-accessible toilets.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
International SOS operates one medical clinic in Baku that provides adequate 24-hour care for minor medical problems and limited emergencies. We do not advise undergoing surgery in Azerbaijan unless it is for a life-and-death emergency. Bring adequate amounts of prescription medicine in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription for the duration of your visit, as pharmacies often do not carry all brands or doses.
Dial the following numbers for the indicated emergencies in Azerbaijan:
Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are typically not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Embassy of Azerbaijan or the Azerbaijan Federal Office of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Azerbaijan.
General Health Language
The following diseases are prevalent:
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Azerbaijan.
Health facilities in general:
Pharmaceuticals
Air Quality: Detailed information on air quality is not available for Azerbaijan currently. Baku is estimated to have air pollution levels higher than those in major U.S. cities.
Water Quality
Adventure Travel
Further health information:
Road Conditions and Safety: The information below is provided for general reference only.
Traffic Laws: Routine traffic stops are common. If you are driving, keep all required documents with you, including passport or local registration documents, driver’s license, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance.
Public Transportation:
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Visit the website of Azerbaijan’s Main Traffic Police Department’s webpage.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Azerbaijan’s State Civil Aviation Administration as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Azerbaijan should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Azerbaijan. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.
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