Azerbaijan

Use Normal Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following Rayons: Xocali, Xocav?nd, Zangilan, S?rur, Susa, T?rt?r, Sahbuz, S?d?r?k, Qubadli, L?nk?ran, Naxçivan, Ordubad, K?lb?c?r, Füzuli, C?brayil, Culfa, and Bab?k

The Republic of Azerbaijan is located in Southwest Asia between Iran and Russia and borders the Caspian Sea. The president is the chief of state, while the prime minister is the head of government. Although striving to be a democratic nation and an emerging energy producer, political and economic corruption has plagued this young, oil-rich nation.

Previously part of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Azerbaijan became an independent nation for a brief period from 1918 to 1920, then collapsed again into the Soviet Union until 1991 when it achieved independence for the second time. In 1988, tensions arose between the ethnic Armenian people living in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people. This led to the leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh declaring the region an independent Armenian republic. By 1992, tensions turned into violent conflict in this region, with Armenian forces attempting to secure the region between Karabakh and Armenia. Although a ceasefire agreement was signed in 1994, with the Armenian people in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh territory, tension remains along this border.

Azerbaijan has an estimated 9.6 million people (2016). The major religion is Islam. Azerbaijan means “land of fire”, referring to the land fires that occur because of the abundant natural gas and oil deposits in the country. Azerbaijan also boasts the world’s first oil well.

Currency	AZN: Azerbaijani manat
Language	Azerbaijani (Azeri)
Capital	Baku
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 23, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Azerbaijan (24 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Azerbaijan. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Azerbaijan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tuberculosis Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Malaria According to the World Health Organization, there may be a very low risk of exposure to malaria in the area between the Kura and Arax Rivers from June to October, and travellers should follow precautions to avoid mosquito bites. NaTHNaC and CDC also recommend bite avoidance. Anti-malaria medication is not recommended. CDC suggests that prophylaxis be considered for high-risk patients (e.g. pregnant or immuno-compromised).

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Azerbaijan.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Azerbaijan.

None required.

Safety and Security in Azerbaijan

Emergency Numbers

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103

101

+944 12 590 9966 Police Office of Crimes By and Against Foreigners (offers service in English)

Personal Safety

Although there is general hospitality towards tourists in Azerbaijan, travellers are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never let your drink out of your sight.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Azerbaijan. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, debris, and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Azerbaijan has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving; all drivers must have a blood alcohol level of zero.

Public transportation should be avoided as it is unreliable, overcrowded and unsafe, especially outside of Baku. Instead, travellers are advised to use the marked “purple taxis” as they have seat belts, meters, and cheaper fares. Avoid train travel.

Due to Azerbaijan’s location in an active earthquake zone, seismic activity is not uncommon.

All travellers are advised against public displays of affection. LGBTI travelers are advised that although same-sex relations are not illegal in Azerbaijan, the conservative nature of the country may result in a lack of tolerance of, and discrimination towards, same-sex behaviour.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious and cultural practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local sensitivities.

Additionally, travellers are advised to be sensitive when visiting and photographing cultural monuments, mosques, and churches. Do not photograph military personnel, equipment or installations.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid all travel to the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. This is a politically unstable area and is designated as a closed military area that may contain landmines. It is a location of reoccurring violence.

Political Unrest

Political tension remains in Azerbaijan, particularly around Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Landmines remain in this closed military area.

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Updated: July 24, 2021