Central Asia & Caucasus
Is Azerbaijan safe?
L3Reconsider travel
Is Azerbaijan safe?
Baku has low street crime and heavy policing. The bigger risks are political: avoid protests and criticism of the government, and mined former conflict districts.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-04-27.
- Homicide rate: 2.2 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 6.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101.
- Solo women: Generally safe in Baku; conservative outside the capital, where solo women draw stares. Dress modestly in the regions.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Mines and unexploded ordnance in former Karabakh conflict districts
- Within 5 km of the Armenian border
- Card skimming at street ATMs
- Erratic driving and poorly lit rural roads
Common scams
- Unmetered street taxis overcharging; use Bolt
- Officials occasionally requesting undocumented payments
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.
Safety by place in Azerbaijan
Quick answers
Is Azerbaijan safe for tourists?
Baku has low street crime and heavy policing. The bigger risks are political: avoid protests and criticism of the government, and mined former conflict districts.
Is Azerbaijan safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe in Baku; conservative outside the capital, where solo women draw stares. Dress modestly in the regions.
What is the emergency number in Azerbaijan?
Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- 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
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.