Central Asia & Caucasus
Azerbaijan
Baku is polished, safe and orderly, with a walled old city and Caspian promenade; the regions are rural and little visited. Visas, closed land borders and high political sensitivity shape any trip.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa19 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyAZNUS$1 ≈ ₼1.70Details
- Price level28%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, F220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency102Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water in Baku or the regions; bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal, but hostility is widespread and police have rounded up gay and trans people before.Details
- Internet93 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 99 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1968 IDP with your licence; after a month you need an Azerbaijani licence. Zero alcohol tolerance.
Where to go in Azerbaijan
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Azerbaijan
April–June and September–October; Baku summers are hot and windy. The Caucasus foothills (Sheki, Quba, Gabala) are best May–September.
Good to know
Entry
- Most visitors need a visa: apply for the ASAN e-visa at least three days ahead; an urgent three-hour option costs more.
- Land borders with Georgia, Iran and Russia are closed to most travellers; arrive by air. Leaving by road needs permission.
- Register with the State Migration Service within 15 days unless your hotel does it.
- Visiting Karabakh via Armenia without Azerbaijani permission can get you refused entry.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Demonstrations are illegal and broken up quickly.
- Drones are confiscated at customs unless you hold residence.
- Carpets and antiques need an export certificate.
Etiquette
- Don't praise Armenia or discuss Karabakh casually; it is deeply sensitive.
- Tea comes constantly; accepting a glass is polite.
- Remove shoes in homes; dress modestly at mosques and outside Baku.
- Behave respectfully at Martyrs' Alley; police can fine disruptive visitors.
Tipping
Many restaurants add a 5–10% service charge; if not, tip about 10%. Round up taxi fares.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Azerbaijan
- ASAN Visa (e-visa)
- State Migration Service of Azerbaijan
- Speedtest Global Index: Azerbaijan
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.