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Travel Advice for Azerbaijan
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While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels Location Level Azerbaijan overall Exercise caution Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding military occupied areas Do not travel
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Summary
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Azerbaijan because of the risk of civil unrest.
Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
We strongly advise you not to travel to Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region and the military occupied areas surrounding it because of the risk of armed conflict along the border and ceasefire line with Armenia.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Azerbaijan. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Azerbaijan.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Azerbaijan. The Australian Embassy in Turkey provides consular assistance to Australians in Azerbaijan.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Safety and Security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. Terrorist attacks have occurred in other countries in the region. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
In October 2007, authorities reportedly foiled a terrorist attack against state structures in Baku, including embassies and diplomatic missions.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Azerbaijan because of the risk of civil unrest. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Police have used force to break up demonstrations and protests. You should avoid all demonstrations, protests and political rallies as they may turn violent.
Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas: We strongly advise you not to travel to the western region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding military occupied areas because of the risk of armed clashes in the region. The dispute with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh remains unresolved and insurgent forces occupy part of Azerbaijan territory. A ceasefire has been in place since 1994 but regular breakdowns occur.
Anti-personnel landmines are located in areas near the front lines.
Crime
The incidence of violent crime in Azerbaijan is low. However, serious crimes against foreigners, including home burglaries, robbery and assault have been reported.
There have been reports of foreigners being robbed after consuming "spiked" drinks in bars and nightclubs in Baku.
Travellers should be particularly vigilant when walking after dark, including near hotels and in residential areas.
Petty crime, including robbery and pick-pocketing, is common in outdoor markets and on public transport.
Travellers have been robbed and assaulted when using unofficial taxis. The use of taxis accredited to your hotel or familiar to you may reduce risk.
Public transport, including the underground in Baku, may be dangerous at night due to the risk of robbery and theft.
There have been reports of thieves posing as police officers while demanding money from tourists and expatriate residents.
Local authorities provide assistance to foreigners who have been the victim of crime. You can telephone English speaking staff on 490 9532 or 490 9453 after hours.
Local Travel
Driving in Azerbaijan can be dangerous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles as well as local driving habits. Rural roads often do not have sufficient lighting and signage and may be shared with pedestrians, slow moving farm equipment and livestock. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Public transport (e.g. the Baku Metro) is often poorly maintained, overcrowded and lacking in basic safety and emergency equipment. If you travel by train, you should lock the door from the inside and not leave your belongings unattended.
Travellers in Azerbaijan should keep a copy of their passport and visa with them at all times. Routine police checks in public and tourist spots are common. Failure to provide evidence of a valid travel document may result in detention and/or substantial fines.
Airline Safety
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
The aircraft and maintenance of aircraft used by Azerbaijan's domestic airlines on internal and regional routes may not always meet international aviation standards. An Australian citizen was among passengers killed in a crash of a regional flight in December 2005. Flights may be overbooked, resulting in the dangerous overloading of aircraft. Domestic flights are also subject to prolonged delays or unexplained cancellation of service.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
Azerbaijan is subject to earthquakes. Information on seismic activity can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
The Azerbaijan economy is cash-based and most goods and services require payment in the local currency (the Manat). US dollars and the Euro (all notes should be in good condition) are widely used and are easily exchanged for local currency. Travellers' cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted, except in major hotels, some restaurants and banks. ATMs are available in major cities.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For Parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
Local Laws
When you are in Azerbaijan, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines.
Foreigners have been questioned and detained for photographing or visiting military personnel, equipment and sites.
Azerbaijan has a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. The only permissible blood alcohol level is zero.
Authorisation is required for the purchase and removal of any antiquity or cultural artefact from Azerbaijan. A receipt and an official certificate are required to legally export these items from Azerbaijan.
Local customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the export of items such as antiquities, religious materials, carpets, artworks and caviar.
Homosexual activity is not illegal in Azerbaijan, however it is not widely accepted.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Local Customs
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Azerbaijan and you should take care not to offend.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.
You should be aware that many Azerbaijanis disapprove of public displays of affection.
Information for Dual Nationals
Azerbaijan does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Azerbaijani dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We advise you to travel on your Australian passport at all times.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan or the nearest Azeri diplomatic mission for the most up to date information.
In Azerbaijan, applications for visa extensions and renewals can be made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Shikhali Kurbanov Street, Number 4, Baku Tel: 492.8383.
Travel restrictions may apply to Australians planning to travel overland from Azerbaijan to neighbouring countries. We recommend you contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Azerbaijan and those of neighbouring countries for up to date information on travel restrictions and visa requirements that may apply.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Health Issues
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Private medical clinics with facilities comparable to those in Western countries operate in Baku. However, medical facilities in other areas of Azerbaijan, and in government facilities generally, are often inadequate. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common. Doctors and hospitals will usually require up-front payment before commencing treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.
Malaria is a risk in the southern lowland areas of Azerbaijan, especially in summer. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and to take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times. Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, brucellosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes. You should also avoid unpasteurised dairy products and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Avian influenza The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Azerbaijan. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
The World Health Organization has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Azerbaijan. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Azerbaijan for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long-term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Azerbaijan for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread rapidly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Azerbaijan should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Azerbaijan should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
Where to Get Help
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Azerbaijan. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Turkey:
Australian Embassy MNG Building, 7th Floor 88 Ugur Mumcu Caddesi Gaziosmanpasa, Ankara Turkey Telephone (90 312) 459 9500 Facsimile (90 312) 446 4827 Website www.turkey.embassy.gov.auIf you are travelling to Azerbaijan, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.