Azerbaijan Travel Updates

Safety

Civil Unrest and Political Tension

Demonstrations and protests can happen unexpectedly. To help travellers feel cautious and prepared, avoid all rallies and marches. Stay alert and watch local news for updates to ensure your safety.

Conflict Zones

Tensions are still high between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Avoid going near the border or the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This area has hidden landmines. It is also illegal to enter Nagorno-Karabakh without a permit.

Personal Safety

• Be Mindful: Violent crime is low in Azerbaijan, but home break-ins and robberies can still occur. Be careful when walking at night or near hotels.
• Drink and Food Safety: Be careful in bars and clubs in Baku. People may try to put drugs in your food or drink to rob you. Never leave your drink alone, and do not take drinks from strangers.
• Stay alert in Public places: Pickpockets work in markets and on the Metro. Watch out for people pretending to be police officers asking for money. If this happens, ask to go to the police station to pay the fine. Use only official taxis or apps. Use ATMs inside banks or malls.

Climate and Natural Disasters

Earthquakes can happen. Keep your passport in a safe, dry place. Tell your family you are safe if a disaster occurs. Follow the instructions of local officials.

Health

Travel Insurance

Buy travel insurance before you go. Make sure it covers medical bills and flying you home if you get very sick. The Australian Government will not pay your medical bills.

Physical and Mental Health

See your doctor 8 weeks before you travel. Check that you are healthy enough for the trip and get any needed shots.

Medications

Medications-some Australian medicines are illegal in Azerbaijan. Carry a letter from your doctor that explains what your medicine is for and how much you need to avoid legal trouble.

Health Risks

• Insect-Borne Diseases:Azerbaijan has been certified as Malaria-free in 2023 with no risk of local transmission for travellers. However, use bug spray and wear long sleeves to avoid mosquito bites.
• HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take proper precautions to stay safe.
• Taking health precautions is vital to help travellers feel reassured about their safety. Drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid raw foods, and see a doctor if you develop a fever or symptoms of illness.

Medical Care

Baku has good private hospitals. However, hospitals outside the city may not have the supplies you need. You may have to pay cash before a doctor treats you. If you are very sick, you might need to fly to another country for care.

Local Laws

Local Law - You must follow all local laws. They may be different from the laws in Australia.

Drugs - The penalties for drugs are very harsh. You can go to jail for a long time.

Other Laws - Always carry your passport and visa. Police often check ID in public. In Azerbaijan its illegal to:

• Take photos of military sites or soldiers.
• Buy or remove old artefacts or carpets from the country without a permit.
• Try to change someone’s religion.

Dual Citizenship - Azerbaijan does not recognise dual citizenship. This means if you are an Azerbaijani-Australian citizen, the embassy might not be able to help you if you are arrested.

Local Customs

Cultural Dates and Events - During the month of Ramadan, many people fast. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day to show respect.

Dress and Behaviour - Outside of the capital city, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and legs. Do not show too much affection, like kissing, in public.

LGBTI Information - Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted. People may be unkind or violent. It is best to be discreet in public.

Travel

Visas and Border Measures - You need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. You can apply for an e-visa online. It takes about 3 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your visa's expiration date.

Travel via Nagorno-Karabakh - If your passport shows you visited Nagorno-Karabakh before, Azerbaijan may not let you into the country. Ensure your passport does not indicate such visits to avoid entry problems.

Passport Validity - Check your passport before you go. Most countries require it to be valid for 6 months.

Lost or Stolen Passport - If you lose your passport, call the Australian Embassy immediately.

Money

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). You must tell customs how much money you are bringing in when you arrive. Azerbaijan uses a lot of cash. While big shops in Baku take credit cards, small shops do not. US dollars and Euros are easy to exchange for local money.

Local Travel

Driving Permit

You can use your Australian driving license for one month. After that, you need a local permit.

Road Travel

• Driving can be dangerous. Roads are often poor, and people may not follow traffic rules. There are often animals or farm machines on the road. Do not drink alcohol and drive; the limit is zero.
• Right-hand drive vehicles are prohibited in Azerbaijan.

Public Transport

Buses can be very crowded. The Metro in Baku is good, but the signs are not in English. Keep your bags close to you to prevent theft.

Air Travel

Some local planes may not be well-maintained. Flights are often delayed or cancelled.

Local Contacts

Emergencies

• Fire:101
• Ambulance:103
• Police:102
• General Emergency:112

Consular Contacts
Australia does not have an embassy in Azerbaijan. For help, contact the Australian Embassy in Turkey at +90 312 459 9500. For minor issues, you can visit the British Embassy in Baku. If it is a life-threatening emergency, call the 24-hour centre in Australia at +61 2 6261 3305.