Safety and security

The political situation in Azerbaijan is stable. Demonstrations occasionally take place, mainly in Baku. Opposition rallies are usually heavily policed and there has been violence on occasions. We advise in general that visitors avoid large gatherings.

We advise against travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the area surrounding it as there areas are heavily land mined.

You should not attempt to enter or leave Azerbaijan via the land borders with Russia (i.e. Dagestan) as these are closed to foreign nationals.

Anyone who has visited Nagorno-Karabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities will be refused entry to Azerbaijan.

Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational. 

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Azerbaijan is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreign nationals such as international hotels, restaurants and pubs. Take sensible precautions and be vigilant.

Crime

Crime rates are relatively low in Azerbaijan but occasional muggings do take place, particularly around the bars and clubs and near dimly lit entrances of private apartments. You should take sensible precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Azerbaijan, report it to the local police immediately. You can contact us at in the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Azerbaijan, you should take care, especially if driving at night. Roads tend to be badly lit and of poor quality and many cars are poorly maintained. If you want to drive, bring your international driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Taxis

Be aware, most old taxis do not have seat belts.

Local laws and customs

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Local culture & religion

Dress for both men and women tends to be similar to, if slightly more modest than, dress in Ireland.

Azerbaijan is a largely secular society and religion is usually considered a private matter. Most of the population is Muslim. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.  The Nowruz public holiday takes place in Azerbaijan in each March.

Homosexuality

Homosexual activity is legal in Azerbaijan, but many Azerbaijanis disapprove of public displays of affection. Caution and discretion are advised at all times.

Photography

You should avoid photographing sites such as military bases, equipment and installations in whatever condition. These are considered sensitive areas, and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to visit them.

You should also be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites. If in doubt, seek permission.

Visas and additional information

Visas

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Azerbaijan.  You can apply online using the e-visa site at https://evisa.gov.az/en/. Visas are valid for 90 days, and stays must not exceed 30 days in total.

Passports

The Department of Foreign Affairs advises travelling on passports with at least 6 months’ validity. It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry your passport at all times as police often operate identity checks. Ensure that you keep it secure and leave a photocopy of the details page separately in a safe place.

Earthquake

Azerbaijan is located in an active seismic zone; however, it has not experienced any serious earthquakes recently.

Health

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor a minimum of eight weeks in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Azerbaijan.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities outside Baku are very limited. Even in Baku serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Turkey or Western Europe. Make sure your travel insurance covers this.

Travel Insurance

We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.   
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.