Azerbaijan

U.S. Embassy Baku

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.

• Electronic visas (E-Visas) are available through the “ASAN Visa” system. This system can be accessed online at https://evisa.gov.az/en/.
• An E-Visa is typically issued within 3 (three working days of the online application, is a single-entry visa, and is valid for 30 days. The E-Visa fee is $20 USD, paid electronically. Once approved, the E-Visa is sent to the applicant via email. Travelers must print this information and present it to border security officials on arrival in Azerbaijan.
• You must register with the State Migration Service (SMS) within 15 calendar days of arrival if your intended period of stay is more than 15 days. Visit the State Migration Service website for the most current registration information.
• Residency applications by people with health issues, including HIV/AIDS, are reviewed by the State Migration Service and approved on a case-by-case basis. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Azerbaijan before you travel.
• Law enforcement officials have at times detained individuals from Armenia or with Armenian surnames for questioning or denied them entry into the country. Such individuals may encounter anti-American sentiments while in Azerbaijan
• Please be aware that traveling to the region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories via Armenia could make you ineligible to travel to Azerbaijan in the future.

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:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Area and Conflict:

• The U.S. Government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Exercise caution near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border.  Despite the declaration of a cessation in hostilities, the danger posed by intermittent gunfire, land mines, and poor road conditions continue.  Roads near the conflict zone may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.
• Traveling to Nagorno-Karabakh  from Armenia could make you ineligible to travel to Azerbaijan in the future.
• For more information regarding commercial activities in these areas, please visit the Country Commercial Guide.        

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.

• Be careful in areas that attract large crowds or are very isolated. Criminals have targeted foreigners walking alone, late at night, or under the influence of alcohol.
• Some women have reported incidents of unwanted male attention while walking alone and taking taxis. Sexual assault may be underreported due to cultural stigma.
• Financial scams are increasingly common. While the majority involves internet dating, there are reports of scams related to fraudulent real estate deals, licensing requirements, and travel advertisements.
• There are reports of increased credit and bank card fraud, such as credit card skimming.

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. 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

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:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

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:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

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:

• For emergency fire services, dial 101.
• For emergency police services, dial 102.
• For emergency medical services, dial 103.
• For emergency gas services, dial 104.
• For emergency electricity services, dial 199.
• For the State Migration Service, dial 919.
• For other miscellaneous emergency services, dial 112.

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:

• Tuberculosis
• HIV
• Hepatitis  

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:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Baku and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment in advance.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
• Be aware that some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in Baku.

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.
• Azerbaijan imposes strict restrictions on the importation of many pain killers and other prescription narcotics available in the United States. Travelers should avoid carrying or shipping such medications. If travelers must bring such medications, they should bring diagnosis and prescription paperwork from a licensed practitioner in the United States.

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

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety: The information below is provided for general reference only.

• The number of fatalities from traffic accidents is high and continues to rise each year. Driving in Baku is dangerous.
• Reckless driving is very common. Many drivers do not pay attention to traffic regulations, signals, lane markings, pedestrians, or other drivers. Drivers often travel at extremely high speeds, and accidents are frequent and often serious.
• Older sections of the roadway system are poorly constructed and poorly lit. Many rural roads are largely unpaved. Driving hazards, such as open manholes, debris, and potholes are common in Baku.
• Unfinished road sections may be extremely dangerous due to lack of proper construction and hazard signage.
• Watch out for pedestrians. Pedestrians routinely disregard vehicles, crosswalks, signs and signals, and in general act carelessly.
• Exercise caution on roads near the 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.

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:

• The Baku metro system is an inexpensive option for transportation. Security cameras provide excellent coverage of all metro platforms throughout the system. There are police units at each metro station, and bag checks may be carried out at the entrance to each station.
• Because safety and licensing standards do not match those found in the United States, U.S. Embassy personnel are not authorized to use public buses.
• For safety, we recommend using only marked taxis if you choose to take one.
• Public transportation throughout the rest of the country remains overcrowded and poorly-maintained. 

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.