Azerbaijan

Recommended Vaccinations For Azerbaijan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated, at risk travellers and children under 16 years of age. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering the BCG vaccine

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to Measles in this country, therefore, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Azerbaijan

There are no recommendations for Azerbaijan at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Azerbaijan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the infected persons**.**

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Azerbaijan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Safety & Security in Azerbaijan

Personal Safety

Crime rates in Azerbaijan dropped by 21.7% in 2024 compared to 2023. Baku maintains generally low crime levels, though petty theft and bag-snatching can occur, particularly after dark in busy areas. The risk increases when carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. Card skimming at ATMs and credit card fraud remain concerns. Drink spiking has been reported in bars and nightclubs in Baku, putting you at higher risk of theft. Police sometimes conduct identity document checks, so carry your passport at all times. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, though incidents including home burglaries, robbery and assault have been reported. Be cautious when walking after dark, particularly near hotels and residential areas. Unofficial taxi drivers may overcharge or scam passengers. Use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber, or arrange taxis through your hotel.

Extreme Violence

There were no reported terrorist incidents in Azerbaijan in 2019, 2020, or recent years, though the threat level remains present. Authorities have demonstrated capacity to detect and prevent terrorist activities. In recent years, law enforcement has dismantled several terrorist groups with links to Al-Qaida, Emarat Kavkaz, and ISIL that had plans to commit attacks in Azerbaijan. Almost 1,000 Azerbaijani nationals left for Syria and Iraq to join ISIL or other terrorist groups, with approximately 150 returning and prosecuted where applicable. The most significant terrorist incident in modern history was the 1994 Baku Metro bombings that killed 14 people and injured 49. A 2008 attack on a mosque killed two people and injured 17. The government designates 52 organizations as terrorist, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Al-Nusra Front, and PKK. Foreign embassies may occasionally close due to security concerns, and terrorists are likely to target places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants, transportation hubs, and markets.

Political Unrest

The political situation in Azerbaijan is generally calm, but demonstrations and opposition rallies can occur. In July 2020, protests involving 30,000 to 50,000 people erupted in Baku, the largest demonstration in years. Protests can turn violent, and police sometimes use force to disperse demonstrations. In June 2023, riot police forcibly dispersed protests in Soyudlu village against a gold mine, using tear gas and physical violence that injured dozens. Police restricted access to the village for weeks and detained journalists. Women’s rights activists organized protests in March 2023 demanding accountability for violence against women. The government effectively imposes a blanket ban on protests in central Baku. Azerbaijan severely restricts freedom of assembly, and authorities continue to imprison those taking part in peaceful protests. Environmental protests in 2023 resulted in multiple arrests. Avoid large public gatherings and locations where foreigners may gather. Follow advice from local authorities during any security incidents.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid the border region with Armenia and within 5km of the entire Armenia-Azerbaijan border due to potential armed conflict, intermittent gunfire, and landmines. Do not travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories, including the districts of Kelbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Shusha, Khojali, Khankendi, Aghdam and Tartar. Following military action in September 2023, Azerbaijan gained control of Nagorno-Karabakh, but unmarked landmines remain throughout the region with limited infrastructure. It is illegal to enter certain areas in southwestern Azerbaijan without permission from Azerbaijani authorities. If you encounter unexploded weapons or landmines, do not approach or touch them and notify authorities on 102 or 112. The border with Armenia remains closed. Land borders with Russia (Dagestan), Georgia and Iran are temporarily closed to foreign nationals. Travel to these areas requires professional security advice. If your passport contains visas or stamps from Nagorno-Karabakh, you may be refused entry into Azerbaijan.