Travel Consideration: Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a newly independent nation in the midst of political and economic change. The last year or so has seen an increase in the availability of goods and services.

A passport and visa are required. Airport visas are not available. Travelers with valid Georgian visas are permitted to enter Azerbaijan for a stay of up to five days. Thereafter, they must apply for an Azerbaijani visa by submitting a letter of invitation from an individual or organization in Azerbaijan. For persons in Azerbaijan, visa applications, extensions or renewals are made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kontrolny Pereulok 2, Baku; tel (9-9412) 93 59 40. For additional information on visa requirements, contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan, 927 15th Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005; tel (202) 842-0001.

As a result of conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh area of Azerbaijan, 20% of Azerbaijani territory (in the southwest along the borders with Iran and Armenia) is occupied by insurgent forces. A cease-fire has been in effect 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" 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.

Although Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent crime, incidents of street crime and assaults on foreigners are increasing. Visitors should follow the same precautions they would in any major city. Do not walk alone at night, if at all possible. All crime incidents should be reported to the local police and U.S. Embassy.
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. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

A few Western-type medical clinics, in which quality is comparable to those in Western countries have recently opened in Baku. The quality of these clinics is. However, medical care in local Azerbaijani facilities remains inadequate, unsanitary, and unsafe. There is often a shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles and vaccines. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you may incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

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.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Driving hazards such as open manholes, debris, and potholes are common. Drivers pay little heed to traffic regulations, signals, lanes, or other drivers. Drivers often travel at extremely high rates of speed and accidents are frequent. Driving in Baku should be considered extremely hazardous. Outside the city, where roads are present, conditions are similar. They are often in poor repair, unlit, and lack lanemarking, traffic signs, and warnings. Many rural roads are unpaved and rarely traveled.

Public transportation throughout the country is overcrowded and poorly maintained. The Embassy strongly discourages use of the Baku Metro. Train travel in the Caucasus region is not secure. 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, the Netherlands, Germany, and Turkey is generally more reliable.


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 Azerbaijani laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Azerbaijan are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

Americans living in or visiting Azerbaijan are encouraged to register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Baku and obtain updated information on travel and security within Azerbaijan. The U.S. Embassy is located at Prospect Azadlig 83; tel (9-9412) 98-03-35, 36, or 37; (9-9412) 90-66-71. More information can be obtained from Embassy Baku's Internet site at http://www.usia.gov/posts/baku.html.