This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (Avian Influenza). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

Azerbaijan faces a 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.  Please read “Security and General Tips” and "Security and General Tips" pages on the FCO website for further information and advice.

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 advice see:  Victims of Crime Abroad page on the FCO website.
 

Political Situation

Azerbaijan Country Profile

The political situation in Azerbaijan is calm.  Presidential elections held in 2003, and parliamentary elections in 2005 and 2006 failed to meet international standards.  Presidential elections are due in October 2008.

 

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 landmined.

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.

Ninety-eight percent of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim.  Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, and religion is usually considered a private matter.  You should 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. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan page of the FCO website.

 

Local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing.  However, 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.

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 are advised to 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.

An export certificate is required to take carpets and anything else considered antique out of Azerbaijan.  Export certificates are available from the Carpet Museum or this can be arranged through the seller.  It is also important to 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.

 

You should 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.  You should also be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites.  If in doubt, seek permission.

For more general advice for different types of travellers see the Travel Checklists

Visas

 

British nationals require a visa for Azerbaijan.  Single and multiple entry visas can be obtained from: Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 4 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL; tel:  020 7938 3412; fax:  020 7937 1783; e-mail:  sefir@btinternet.com.  Alternatively, if arriving by air at Baku, you can obtain a transit or single entry visa (up to 30 days) on arrival.

 

The Azerbaijan Ministry for Foreign Affairs have stated that the new fees for single entry visas will match the fee charged for a UK six-Month Multiple Entry Visa - £63.00 (AZN 111).  The fee can be paid in US dollars and Azerbaijani manats.  You are advised to carry a sufficient amount of either currency to cover the cost of a visa.  There are cash machines at the airport but these may not always work.  In addition to the fee you should present two passport-sized photographs.  A letter of invitation is also requested.

 

Please ensure to check the duration of your visa as soon as it is given to avoid unintentional illegal overstaying and problems with Immigration at the airport on leaving Azerbaijan.

 

Your visa should be valid when departing Azerbaijan.  Extensions can be obtained at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Baku, 4 ShikhaliGurban Street, Baku (telephone 492 8383).  An exit visa, which you would require if your visa has expired, costs AZN 111.  You may also be liable for a fine for overstaying.

 

Passport validity

 

Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Azerbaijan.

 

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 no Embassy of Turkmenistan in Baku.  Visas for Turkmenistan should be obtained before arriving in Azerbaijan.

 

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 have conducted random checks of expatriates since mid-February 2007, and have detained some who were not carrying valid ID cards in accordance with the law.

 

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact: Azerbaijan representation in the UK

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.

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

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

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Azerbaijan.

 

For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Azerbaijan you should check the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) occurred in various regions of Azerbaijan in early 2006, resulting in five human fatalities in the Salyan and Tartar Region.  Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  However, as a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form which is easily transmissible between people.

British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet, which gives more detailed advice and information.

NATURAL DISASTERS

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

Insurance

 

You are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive medical as well as travel insurance to cover illness, injury and loss of money, baggage and tickets before travelling. You should check 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.  Please see Travel Insurance for more details.

 

If things do go wrong when overseas, then this is:  What We Can Do To Help.

 

Registering with the British Embassy

You should register with the Consular Section of the British Embassy.  You can do this online at:  www.britishembassy.az or by contacting the Consular Section direct.

Consular Assistance

Around 5,000 – 7,000 British nationals visit Azerbaijan every year, mainly on business.  The Embassy provides a full consular protection service, including issuing passports, registering births and deaths and certain notarial acts.  The Embassy also assists British Citizens in distress, including those in detention.  The main types of incidents for which British nationals require consular assistance in Azerbaijan is for passport renewals.

Money

 

All goods and services should be paid for in local currency (Manats).  However, US Dollars and the Euro are widely used.  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.  ATMscan be found in most major towns and cities.