Known as the 'Land of Fire', Azerbaijan lies between Asia and
Europe and is a delightful mesh of contrasts, where east meets
west, and bold modern architecture stands along side the UNESCO old
town.
Wellness tourists in particular will relish a chance to try the
country's unique medicinal oil, Naftalan. Considered an effective
treatment for arthritis, psoriasis and rheumatism, the remedy lures
many to Naftalan town, which has special spas and treatment centres
where patients sit up to their necks in baths of the rare
substance. Visitors to Azerbaijan can also choose from more than
1,000 mineral springs located throughout the country.
The capital, Baku, is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in
the Caucasus region, and is Azerbaijan's cultural, economic,
political, and scientific centre. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it
is about 5,500 years old. History lovers can see some wonderfully
preserved relics, ancient mosques, cities, oases, fortresses and
palaces. They can also visit the ancient fire-worshipper temple
complex, Ateshgah, and walk the natural gas-fuelled Yanar Dag (Fire
Mountain), which is one of many impressive eternal fires on the
Absheron Peninsula. Travellers who'd prefer a luxury experience of
high-end hotels and exclusive boutiques should head for the
boulevards of downtown Baku.
The mountainous northern hinterland is a treat as well. These
lofty peaks are dotted with beautiful lakes, and have a population
of bears, wolves and leopards, along with nomadic shepherds.
Key Facts
Language:
Azerbaijani, or Azeri, is the official language. Turkish
and Russian are widely spoken; few people speak English.
Passport/Visa:
A valid passport and a visa are required for travel to
Azerbaijan. To obtain any type of visa, visitors must present a
letter of invitation from a contact in Azerbaijan, such as an
employer or educational institution. If neither option is possible,
visitors should have a travel agency in Azerbaijan submit an
invitation letter. E-visas can be obtained before departure and it
is recommended that passports be valid for six months after
departure from this or any holiday destination.
Currency:
The official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which is
divided into 100 qapik. Major hotels, supermarkets and restaurants
in Baku usually accept credit cards, and Euros, British pounds and
US dollars are easily exchanged. ATMs can be found in most major
cities and towns.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round, two-pin
attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are in use.
Travel to Azerbaijan
Climate in Azerbaijan
Nine out of the 11 existing climate zones are present in
Azerbaijan, although most of the country is dry semi-arid steppe.
Generally speaking, summers are hot and winters are mild and wet,
with snow in the mountains. Average temperatures range from 41°F
(5°C) in the mountainous regions to 81°F (27°C) in the lowlands in
summer, and 14°F (-10°C) to 37°F (3°C) in winter. The best time to
travel for warm and dry weather is between April and October, but
mountainous areas are best visited in the summer months of July and
August. Baku is very hot and humid in the summer. Late spring and
early summer, between April and June, are the best time to visit
Azerbaijan, as the weather is warm and the flowers are in
bloom.
Health Notes when travelling to Azerbaijan
No vaccinations are required for entry to Azerbaijan, but
travellers should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to
date. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended
for all travellers. Most health facilities are state-owned and
equipment and staff training often fall short of Western standards.
Outside of the capital, medical care and supplies may be difficult
to come by and serious medical problems will require air evacuation
to another country; comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Azerbaijan
The crime rate is relatively low, but muggings do occur in
central Baku, particularly at night. Political gatherings and
demonstrations should be avoided as these have become violent in
the past. Unlicensed taxis should be avoided. Corruption is
widespread. The area around Nagorno-Karabakh has long been the
subject of dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia and most foreign
governments advise against travel to the region due to ongoing
outbreaks of violence, despite the ceasefire.
Customs in Azerbaijan
Most of the country is Muslim and visitors should respect
religious customs, particularly during the month of Ramadan, when
eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours should be
discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
Travellers should dress modestly, especially when visiting
mosques or religious shrines. More specifically, women should cover
arms and legs, and men should not wear shorts, even in summer.
Although homosexuality is legal in Azerbaijan, public displays
of affection will cause offence, especially outside the capital.
Foreign nationals are routinely subject to police checks and it is
advisable to carry identification at all times.
Duty Free in Azerbaijan
Travellers older than 18 may bring 600 cigarettes, 3 litres of
alcohol, 10kg of food products and goods up to the value of
US$1,500 without paying customs duty. Banned items include weapons,
narcotics and material encouraging terrorism or violence.
Permission must be granted by the government before cultural
artefacts, such as antique carpets, are exported from the
country.
Doing Business in Azerbaijan
Personal contact and relationship-building is critical in
Azerbaijan, which means that meetings are more effective than
long-distance communication. It is common to exchange business
cards in meetings, and these should be in Russian or English and
have an Azeri translation on the reverse.
The language of business is Azeri or Russian, and translators
will be required for those who don't speak either language. Azeris
tend to be polite and visitors should be aware that a 'yes' might
actually mean 'no'.
Culturally, there is a strong emphasis on not causing 'loss of
face' publically. Azeris should not be rushed into making a
business decision. Gender roles are traditional and businesswomen
might be met with scepticism.
Communication in Azerbaijan
The international dialling code for Azerbaijan is +994. Roaming
charges are high and it is best to buy a local SIM card. WiFi is
available is many hotels and cafes in Baku, but internet freedom is
poor, and there are many infrastructural challenges such as low
quality connections.
Tipping in Azerbaijan
Service charges are usually included in bills and tipping is not
compulsory. However, taxi-drivers, waiters and hotel staff are
commonly given some small change.
Passport/Visa Note
A valid passport and a visa are required for travel to
Azerbaijan. To obtain any type of visa, visitors must present a
letter of invitation from a contact in Azerbaijan, such as an
employer or educational institution. If neither option is possible,
visitors should have a travel agency in Azerbaijan submit an
invitation letter. E-visas can be obtained before departure and it
is recommended that passports be valid for six months after
departure from this or any holiday destination.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a valid passport and a visa.
Tourist Offices
Official tourism website: http://www.azerbaijan.travel
Azerbaijan Embassies
In the United States:
Azerbaijan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 337
3500.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Azerbaijan, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although the risk of malaria is low in Azerbaijan, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. Some travelers to certain areas who are at higher risk for complications from malaria (such as pregnant women) may need to take extra precautions, like antimalarial medicine. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Azerbaijan, see malaria in Azerbaijan.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Azerbaijan, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Azerbaijan
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Azerbaijan, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although the risk of malaria is low in Azerbaijan, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. Some travelers to certain areas who are at higher risk for complications from malaria (such as pregnant women) may need to take extra precautions, like antimalarial medicine. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Azerbaijan, see malaria in Azerbaijan.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Azerbaijan, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Azerbaijan
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Azerbaijan, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Azerbaijan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Azerbaijan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Azerbaijan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Azerbaijan may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Azerbaijan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Azerbaijan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which is
divided into 100 qapik. Major hotels, supermarkets and restaurants
in Baku usually accept credit cards, and Euros, British pounds and
US dollars are easily exchanged. ATMs can be found in most major
cities and towns.
Baku International Airport (GYD) Heydar Aliyev International Airport http://www.airport.az/
Location: Baku The airport is situated about 13 miles (21km) from
Baku.
Time: GMT +4
Contacts:
Tel: +994 (12) 497 27 27.
Transfer between terminals:
It is possible to walk between terminals.
Getting to the city:
Aero Express buses service the city centre and official taxis
are available outside the airport building. Visitors should be
aware of drivers within the arrivals hall who are unlicensed and
charge more. Hotel courtesy cars can be arranged for a fee.
Car rental:
Car rental companies are available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities:
Services include ATMs and currency exchange, shops and
restaurants, business-class lounges, a prayer room, a spa and
beauty lounge, a barber shop and sleeping pods.
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