Azerbaijan travel advice

Risk level

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

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Azerbaijan travel advice

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Safety and security

Districts in the western part of Azerbaijan

Despite clearing efforts by Azerbaijani authorities, unexploded ordnance continues to pose a risk in the western part of Azerbaijan.

You must have special travel permission from Azerbaijani authorities to enter certain areas in western Azerbaijan.

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services in these regions is extremely limited.

If you decide to travel to districts in the western part of Azerbaijan despite the advisory in effect:

• be extremely vigilant in remote areas
• stay on paved and main roads
• do not walk in fields
• avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of unexploded ordnance
• report any suspicious items to local authorities

Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO)

Borders

Border areas with Armenia

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide emergency in-person consular services in areas along the Armenia-Azerbaijan international borders is extremely limited.

The security environment remains uncertain along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. While there have been no major incidents since September 2023, tensions remain high. Alleged ceasefire violations and accidents involving buried landmines have occurred. Security forces are deployed in the region, and access to the area is strictly controlled. Although the two countries have reached a peace agreement in principle, the process is ongoing and they are presently engaged in fully demarcating the border.

If you choose to travel near the border with Armenia despite the advisory in effect:

• exercise caution at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local and international media to stay informed on current clashes
• follow instructions from local authorities and security forces

Crime

Crime is relatively low. Most reported crimes involve burglary, assault or petty crime, such as pickpocketing, especially on public transportation.

Thieves sometimes pose as police officers and demand that tourists pay on-the-spot fines. If faced with this situation, offer to follow the officer to the nearest police station to pay the fine.

• Avoid walking alone after dark
• Be careful in areas that attract large crowds or that are very isolated or dimly lit
• Do not carry large sums of cash
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place

Some women have reported incidents of unwanted male attention while walking alone or taking taxis.

Fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs.

When using your credit or debit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

If you’re travelling to Azerbaijan to meet someone you’ve only met online, you may be the victim of a scam.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food, drinks and other items

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur occasionally.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Police may use force to suppress demonstrations.

They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism, especially in Baku. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings in public places.

Roads

Road conditions

Highways and major city roads are well-maintained, but driving can be dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting and road signage, especially outside of Baku
• pedestrians and livestock on certain roads

 Driving habits

Many drivers don’t pay attention to or disregard the speed limit, traffic rules and road signage. Local authorities don’t enforce traffic rules consistently.

In remote areas, fuel availability can be limited, and its quality may vary.

If you choose to drive in Azerbaijan:

• always drive defensively
• maintain distance from other vehicles on the road
• familiarize yourself with your route before you leave
• always carry a cell phone and charger
• keep a list of emergency numbers on hand

Public transportation

Buses are poorly maintained, often overcrowded and unsafe, particularly outside of Baku. Baku Metro is reasonably maintained and has basic safety equipment. Expect security cameras on and near the platforms and a police presence at each metro station, especially at night.

Only use reputable and officially marked taxis which are metered, or one of the available ride-sharing applications. Check that the vehicle has working seatbelts.

If you must travel by train, store personal belongings in a safe place and do not leave your compartment unattended. Ensure the door is secured from the inside.

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Azerbaijan and have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. As a resident, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of your temporary or permanent residence permit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Canadians must have a visa to visit Azerbaijan.

Tourist visa: required

Business visa: required

Student visa: required

Transit visa: required

If you plan to visit Azerbaijan, you must obtain a visa before arriving in the country. Canadian passport holders may apply for a tourist e-visa through Azerbaijan’s online visa portal and should do so at least 3 working days before their arrival in Azerbaijan.

E-visas are single-entry and are valid for 30 days. If you require any other type of visa, you must apply for it at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan prior to departure.

To obtain any type of visa, you must present a letter of invitation from a contact in Azerbaijan, such as an employer or educational institution. If you don’t have a contact there, the invitation letter should be submitted by your travel agency in Azerbaijan.

If you do not comply with visa or permit requirements, you may be fined, deported and barred from re-entering Azerbaijan.

Official electronic visa portal – Republic of Azerbaijan

Registration

If you intend to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service within 15 calendar days of arrival. Ensure that your passport bears an entry stamp.

Failure to register could result in a fine. You may be prevented from leaving Azerbaijan until the fine is paid.

If you intend to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days, you must obtain a temporary residence card or apply to extend your visa.

Registration – State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Districts in the western part of Azerbaijan

You may need to obtain prior authorization from the Azerbaijani authorities to enter and/or exit certain districts in the western part Azerbaijan. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan before you travel.

Persons with disabilities

Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure.

Travelling with disabilities

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is generally only available in major cities, particularly in Baku. Medical facilities outside the capital are very limited.

Private hospitals are usually better equipped than public ones but typically require advance payment or a financial guarantee before providing treatment. Credit card payments are not always accepted. Before agreeing to care, confirm billing arrangements, costs, and proposed medical procedures. Medical staff may speak little or no English, and legal recourse in cases of malpractice is very limited in Azerbaijan.

Avoid older medical clinics, which often lack basic medications and equipment and may have poor hygiene standards. Some facilities require upfront cash payment.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Azerbaijan.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Azerbaijan. 

• Bring enough medication for your stay 
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions 
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

Travelling with medication

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is strictly forbidden to take pictures of military installations and equipment. Trespassing on military sites can lead to arrest. Visitors have been detained and questioned when attempting to photograph military bases, equipment and installations, all of which are considered sensitive.

Promoting religion and trying to convert others are not permitted.

Identification

Always carry your passport. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or confiscated.

If you are a resident, you must provide proof of residency status.

Police checks in public areas are common. You could be taken to a police station and fined if you fail to provide proper identification on request from an official.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Azerbaijani law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons may face discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Azerbaijan doesn’t legally recognize dual citizenship for adults (aged 18 or older).

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Azerbaijan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

A citizen of Azerbaijan who acquires foreign citizenship must notify Azerbaijani authorities in writing within one month. If you are in Azerbaijan, you should contact the State Migration Service. If you are outside the country, you should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan or an Azerbaijani diplomatic mission accredited in your country of residence.

If you hold a Canadian passport and have ties to Azerbaijan, by birth or otherwise, and are unsure of your Azerbaijani citizenship status, you should contact the State Migration Service before travelling. Canadians with Azerbaijani citizenship may be subject to national obligations, such as taxes and military service.

Military service is mandatory for Azerbaijani male citizens between the ages of 18 and 30. If you have not completed your military service, you could face fines or arrest and could be prevented from departing Azerbaijan on your Canadian or Azerbaijani passport until you meet the military service requirements.

Useful links

• Information on military service – State Service for Mobilization and Conscription (Azerbaijani only)
• Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Azerbaijan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Azerbaijan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Azerbaijan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

There is a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.

Traffic stops are common. Always carry your licence, International Driving Permit, proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

You must have the following documents in the car:

• vehicle registration
• your passport and driver’s licence
• proof of insurance
• first aid kit
• check-up card (proof that the vehicle is roadworthy)

If you intend to drive for more than one month, you may need to convert your Canadian driver’s licence into an Azerbaijani one.

If you own a car, you must get an annual roadworthiness test done between January 1 and October 31. You will receive a check-up card each year following the inspection.

Azerbaijan Service and Assessment Network

Imports and exports

You must declare foreign currency upon entry. You cannot leave the country with more than you brought in.

There are restrictions on the import and export of certain goods to and from Azerbaijan. Customs authorities strictly enforce regulations concerning the import and export of firearms, religious objects, works of art and antiquities.

You need an export certificate to take antiques or art like carpets, samovars, copperware or paintings out of Azerbaijan. Your can get a certificate from your vendor or the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

Useful links

• Prohibition and restrictions – State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

Mobile devices

If you plan to use a local SIM card for more than 30 days, you must register it and pay a fee at a local post office. If you don’t declare your device or register your SIM card, it may stop working on local networks.

Dress and behaviour

Azerbaijan is a secular state, but some people adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

In 2027, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 7.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Money

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN).

Outside of major businesses, credit cards may not always be accepted for payment.

Several ATMs in major cities dispense both U.S. dollars and Azerbaijani manat.

Natural disasters and climate

Earthquakes

Azerbaijan is located in an active seismic zone.

Seismic alerts – Republican Seismic Survey Center of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Flooding and landslides

Flooding may occur in parts of Azerbaijan, especially on the Southern Caspian coast in the Lankaran-Astara region. Heavy rains can overwhelm drainage systems in urban centres, including Baku, and increase the risk of flash flooding. They can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Landslides could occur, making roads impassable and damaging infrastructure.

• Monitor local media for the latest information, including on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders