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U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

 

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Please click on this link to read important information you should see before you travel abroad

This information is current as of today,

Azerbaijan

March 31, 2006

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:Azerbaijan is a constitutional republic with a developing economy.  Western-style amenities are found in the capital, Baku, but they are generally not available outside that city.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Azerbaijan for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A passport and visa are required.  Travelers may obtain single-entry visas for USD 40 by mail or in person from either the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, D.C. or any other Azerbaijani embassy offering consular services.  Travelers may also obtain single-entry, 30-day visas at the airport upon arrival.  Visas are not available at the land border with Georgia.  Double-entry, 90-day visas (cost $80 U.S.) and one-year multiple-entry visas (cost $250 U.S.) are only available through an Azerbaijani embassy or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  A letter of invitation from a contact in Azerbaijan is required, and travelers who expect to travel in the region should request a one-year, multiple-entry visa.

American citizens of Armenian ancestry have had visa applications denied by the Government of Azerbaijan on the grounds that their safety cannot be guaranteed.

U.S. citizens who obtain a one-entry visa at the port of entry are permitted to remain in Azerbaijan for up to one month, after which an extension of stay must be requested.  For persons in Azerbaijan, visa applications, extensions or renewals are made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shikhali Kurbanov Str., 4, Baku; tel. (9-9412) 492 34 01.  For additional information, please contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan, 2741 34th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (tel. 202-337-3500); e-mail: azerbaijan@azembassy.com.  Visit the Embassy of Azerbaijan website at http://www.azembassy.com/ for the most current visa information.  See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Azerbaijan and other countries. 

See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:  As a result of conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh area of Azerbaijan, insurgent forces occupy approximately 15 percent of Azerbaijani territory (in the southwest along the borders with Iran and Armenia).  A cease-fire has been in effect in the Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1994, although reports of armed clashes along the cease-fire line and along the border with Armenia continue.  Anti-personnel mines are a danger in areas close to the front lines.  It is not possible to enter the self-proclaimed "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh," which is not recognized by the United States, from Azerbaijan.  Travelers are cautioned to avoid travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding occupied areas.  Because of the existing state of hostilities, consular services are not available to Americans in Nagorno-Karabakh.

American citizens of Armenian ancestry considering travel to Azerbaijan should remain particularly vigilant when visiting the country, as the Government of Azerbaijan has claimed that it is unable to guarantee their safety. 

A number of political rallies have occurred in Baku in recent months as a result of the November 2005 Parliamentary elections.  While the majority of these protests were peaceful, some became confrontational and escalated into violence.  Americans are reminded that even protests intended to be peaceful may turn violent and travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where the current, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME:  Although the Republic of Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent crime, incidents of street crime and assaults on foreigners are common.  Visitors should follow the same precautions they would in any major city.  Visitors should not walk alone at night, if possible.  All crime incidents should be reported to the local police and U.S. Embassy.  The Police Office of Crimes by and Against Foreigners has an English-speaking officer available at all times who may be reached at (994 12) 490-95-32 or, after hours, at 490-94-52.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. 

See our information on Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  A few Western-type medical clinics, the quality of which is comparable to those in Western countries, are operating in Baku.  The quality of these clinics is good.  However, medical facilities outside the capital remain inadequate, unsanitary, and unsafe.  There is often a shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles and vaccines.

Avian Influenza:  The WHO and Azerbaijani authorities have confirmed human cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as "bird flu."  Travelers to Azerbaijan and other countries affected by the virus are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.  In addition, the CDC and WHO recommend eating only fully cooked poultry and eggs.  For the most current information and links on avian influenza in Azerbaijan, see the State Department's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet or visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Baku.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Azerbaijan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving hazards such as open manholes, debris, sinkholes and potholes are common.  Drivers do not pay attention to traffic regulations, signals, lanes, pedestrians or other drivers.  Drivers often travel at extremely high speed, and accidents are frequent and often serious.  Driving in Baku should be considered extremely hazardous.  Outside the city, even where roads are present, conditions are similar.  Roads are often in poor repair, unlit, and lack lane markings, traffic signs, and warnings.  Many rural roads are largely unpaved.

Public transportation throughout the country is overcrowded and poorly maintained.  The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages use of the Baku Metro.  Train travel in the Caucasus region is not secure. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Azerbaijan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Azerbaijan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

Travelers on airlines among the countries of the Caucasus may experience prolonged delays and sudden cancellations of flights.  In addition to frequent delays, flights are often overcrowded with passengers without seats standing in the aisle along with excess unsecured cabin luggage.  Even basic safety features such as seat belts are sometimes missing.  Air travel to Azerbaijan on international carriers via the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey is more reliable.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  The Republic of Azerbaijan's economy is mostly cash-only.  Traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted only in some hotels and a few restaurants and supermarkets.  The national currency is the manat.  An increasing number of commercial establishments have begun to enforce the requirement that purchases be made with manats.

Azerbaijanicustoms authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Azerbaijan of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities including carpets, medications, and caviar, and any amount of currency over USD 1000.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.  Please see our information on Customs Information.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Azerbaijan’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Azerbaijanare severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties. 

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Azerbaijan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Azerbaijan.  Americans withoutInternet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Prospect Azadlig 83; tel. (9-9412) 498-03-35, 36, or 37; (9-9412) 490-66-71; email: ConsularBaku@state.gov; web site: http://www.usembassybaku.org.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 16, 2005, to update the section on Medical Facilities and Health Information.