Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan due to terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[994] (12) 488-3300; US Embassy in Baku, 111 Azadlig Avenue, AZ1007 Baku Azerbaijan; https://az.usembassy.gov/; BakuACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
994
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 03; Fire: 01; Police: 02
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Dry, semiarid steppe
Currency (Code)
Manats (AZN)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Azerbaijani, Russian, Armenian
Major Religions
Muslim 96.9% (predominantly Shia), Christian 3%
Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Baku (includes Icheri Seher (Old Town); Absheron National Park; mud volcanos; Naftalan Oil Resort; Gobustan National Park (includes rock art cultural landscape); Caspian Sea
Major Sports
Soccer, paragliding, rugby, volleyball
Cultural Practices
It is considered polite to reciprocate hospitality with a small gift. Always give an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are reserved for funerals. Avoid giving alcohol unless you are certain your host partakes.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is unusual, but can be done for exceptional service. For cabs, it is polite to round up the fare and give the change as a tip. Hotel porters may be tipped 5-10 manats. Tour guides also accept tips, generally around 5 manats.
Souvenirs
Handmade carpets, pottery, ceramics, caviar, silk items
Traditional Cuisine
Plov — riсe covered with saffron, cinnamon, aromatic herbs, and fried mutton, chicken, beef, or lamb, as well as vegetables and even dried fruits
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 05, 2023
