U.S. Embassy Baku

111 Azadliq Prospekti
AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan
Telephone: +994-12-488-3300
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +994-12-488-3300
Fax: +994-12-488-3695
Email: BakuACS@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet Azerbaijan for information on U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. 

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.
• An E-Visa is:
  • Typically issued within 3 work days of the online application.
  • Valid for a single entry within 90 days of issuance and permits a 30-day stay in Azerbaijan.
  • $20, paid online.
  • Sent to you via email, after approval, and you must print this information and present it to border security officials on arrival in Azerbaijan.
• Multiple-entry visas valid for up to 365 days are available through the Embassy of 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. If you do not register, you may need to pay a fine before departing the country.
• 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-Armenian sentiments while in Azerbaijan.
• Individuals with “Republic of Artsakh” entry stamps in their passport could be questioned or denied entry upon arrival to Azerbaijan.

Land Borders: Entry into Azerbaijan is possible only by air. Foreigners are permitted to exit by land and sea.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Azerbaijan. Medical tests at designated clinics in Azerbaijan are required for those applying for temporary or permanent residence permits. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Azerbaijan before you travel. Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Human Rights Concerns: Be aware of ongoing human rights concerns in Azerbaijan, including reports of arbitrary arrests, restrictions on freedom of expression, and mistreatment of detainees. Journalists and activists may face harassment and imprisonment. Stay informed about local laws and respect local customs to avoid any legal issues. For more detailed information, please refer to the U.S. State Department's Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets.

• 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 former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories and Armenia Border Areas:

• The U.S. Government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around the former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast area and surrounding territories as access is restricted.
• 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 continues. Roads near the border may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

U.S. citizens of Armenian descent may encounter anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan.

Crime: Crime is relatively low and violent crime is infrequent. Most reported crimes involve burglary, assault, or petty crime such as pickpocketing.

• Some women have reported incidents of unwanted male attention while walking alone and taking taxis. Sexual assault may be underreported due to cultural stigma.

International Financial Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Azerbaijan. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. There are reports of scams related to fraudulent real estate deals, licensing requirements, and travel advertisements. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Demonstrations are rare but may be suppressed with force when they occur. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +994-12-488-3300. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 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. We do not endorse or recommend any specific 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 are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Local resources for victims of domestic violence include shelters, medical assistance, and legal aid. Victims of domestic violence may dial 860 (or 012-860 outside of Baku) or email office@scfwca.gov.az to reach the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs hotline.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near Baku. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start

• You can be legally detained for up to 4 days before being charged.
• Depending on the charges, you may remain in detention for up to 19 months during a pre-trial investigation.

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 in Azerbaijan. See our webpage for further information.

Restrictions on Photography: 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.

Military Service: Military service is mandatory in Azerbaijan for male citizens ages 18 to 30. 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 30 have been prevented from departing Azerbaijan on U.S. or Azerbaijan passports until they resolved military service requirements with the Azerbaijan government. The Embassy cannot resolve this issue for affected individuals. For information regarding Azerbaijan’s mandatory military service, including contact information, see Azerbaijan’s State Service for Mobilization and Conscription website. Information about renouncing Azerbaijani citizenship is available at the Embassy of Azerbaijan. 

Drones: Azerbaijan does not allow the import of drones without prior authorization. Drones brought into the country without authorization are subject to confiscation by customs officials.

Customs: Taking carpets, artwork, and other cultural artifacts out of the country requires an export certificate. Consult the seller or the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum for assistance.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, and they may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: Review the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and Lesbian Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of events in Azerbaijan. However, persons may face discrimination, harassment, and violence on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation. Reports indicate that authorities have rarely investigated, prosecuted, or punished those for violence targeting persons on the basis of sexual orientation. There are some limits on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly regarding matters related to sexual orientation due in part to societal stigma.

Review our Gay and Lesbian Traveler Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Azerbaijan prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but accessibility for persons with disabilities is limited throughout the country. Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure.

Review our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students:  Review our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.

Women Travelers: Women travelers should be aware that there have been reports of unwanted male attention, harassment, and underreporting of sexual assault due to cultural stigma. Exercise caution, especially when walking alone or taking taxis.

Review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency medical services in Azerbaijan, dial 103.

Ambulance services are:

• widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• 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.

Review our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Azerbaijan.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page.  CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates 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. Review our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page 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 State Customs Committee to ensure the medication is legal in Azerbaijan.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page

Air Quality: Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses AI, historical data, and global pollution models to create a 3-day air quality forecast for Azerbaijan.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Baku but health care in some facilities in Baku and in other rural areas may not be the same as you would typically find in the Unites States.
• 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.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in Baku.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. If you want healthcare in another country, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules.  Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Tourism website for information on Medical Tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Azerbaijan.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Azerbaijan.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, which can be bought without a prescription or with a prescription in the United States, are usually easy to buy with few controls. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration 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.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Azerbaijan, pursuant to section 144-1 of the Azerbaijan Criminal Code.

Altitude: Many locations in Azerbaijan, such as Shahdagh and Tufandag, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Water Quality & Food Safety: Tap water in Azerbaijan 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 Adventure Travel website for more information about Adventure Travel.

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

• Road conditions in Azerbaijan differ significantly from those in the United States. Exercise caution when driving in Azerbaijan.
• 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: Vehicles drive on the right. 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.

• Foreigners residing in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days must obtain a local driver’s license through ASAN Xidmet.
• Azerbaijan has strict laws about driving under the influence of alcohol. It is illegal to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system. 

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.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Azerbaijan’s State Civil Aviation Administration as 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.