Traveler Toolkit
Azerbaijan Country Security Report
Azerbaijan Country Security Report
Published: September 2, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Azerbaijan Travel Advisory and Azerbaijan Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
111 Azadliq Prospekt, Baku 1007.
Tel: +994-12-488-3300; After-Hours Emergencies: +994-12-488-3333.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 0830-1730.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The Country Chapter in Baku meets annually.
Contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.
Azerbaijan Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel to Azerbaijan due to terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Baku as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan.
The crime emergency line in Azerbaijan is 102. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Criminal acts committed against foreigners are infrequent in Baku. Most reported crimes involve Azerbaijani citizen victims, with burglary and assault being the most common. Late-night targeted attacks against lone men are the most common crimes perpetrated against foreigners. Petty thefts (pickpocketing), while not common, sometimes affect foreigners in Baku. Expatriates are at greater risk of being victims of petty crime in areas that attract large crowds or are very isolated.
Financial scams are increasingly common. While most Internet-based scams involve Internet dating, there have been complaints regarding fraudulent real estate sales, licensing requirements, and travel advertisements. Azerbaijan is traditionally a cash society; however, the introduction of credit/bank cards has given rise to burgeoning crime related to their use.
Crime related to credit card use tends to involve end-point user fraud, as opposed to more sophisticated uses of skimmers or card cloning devices. To help protect against credit card fraud, notify your bank and credit card company with the dates and locations of travel, and monitor accounts closely once you have returned from travel. Credit cards typically have more protection than bank debit cards. Avoid using debit cards tied directly to checking or savings accounts.
Some women have reported incidents of unwanted male attention while walking alone and taking taxis. Sexual assault may be underreported due to cultural stigma.
Crime: Areas of Concern
There are no areas that U.S. Government employees cannot travel to due to crime; see the sections below for areas off-limits to U.S. Government personnel.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan.
Criminal kidnapping is rare in Azerbaijan.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Baku as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking soft targets and may attack with little or no warning. They may target high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.); hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; tourism infrastructure; shopping malls and markets; and public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights). The Islamic State (IS) and other extremist groups have actively sought to expand their presence into northern Azerbaijan. Authorities have thwarted multiple plots by Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) targeting religious and diplomatic sites in Baku. Most recently, in January 2026, security services arrested three Azeri citizens as they approached the Israeli embassy with weapons; these individuals were linked to IS.
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran in early 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks impacting Azerbaijani territory. Notably, a drone strike struck Nakhchivan International Airport (NAJ) on March 5, 2026. There also remains the risk of ground-based attacks connected to Iranian proxy networks. On March 6, Azerbaijani authorities foiled a coordinated plot orchestrated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involving the smuggling of C-4 explosives and recruitment of local collaborators to target Israel-linked infrastructure (including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, which supplies a significant portion of Israel's oil) and diplomatic posts.
Azerbaijan maintains strong counterterrorism cooperation with the U.S., and actively opposes terrorist organizations seeking to move people, money, and materiel through the Caucasus region. The country remains focused on counterterrorism efforts to include prosecuting individuals under statutes related to terrorism, arresting foreign terrorist fighters returning to Azerbaijan from conflicts abroad, and conducting special operations against those the government suspected were planning terror attacks.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Baku as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The political situation in Baku is relatively stable. The election observation mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe concluded that the 2024 parliamentary and snap presidential elections took place within a partially restrictive environment, which prevented genuine competition. Parliamentary elections occur every five years, and the next elections are scheduled for 2029. The President of Azerbaijan retains the legal authority to dissolve parliament or call snap elections in accordance with domestic law.
Protests & Demonstrations
Public demonstrations are not permitted. Non-political gatherings are also de facto prohibited. Demonstrations are rare and may be suppressed with force when they occur. The authorities may impose high fines on those found guilty of unauthorized protesting or gathering, sentence them to administrative detention, or criminally prosecute them.
Those who openly question government policy or criticize Azerbaijan’s leadership, including the political opposition, journalists and civil society, are routinely harassed, intimidated and sometimes incarcerated for expressing their views. Small-scale, targeted gatherings occasionally occur in Baku, often organized by opposition parties like the Popular Front Party (APFP). These demonstrations often demand the release of political prisoners, independent journalists, or social activists. Even small, peaceful demonstrations are routinely broken up by police. In 2026, an estimated 200 protestors were arrested for unlawful demonstrations. Many activists have left the country in the past five years because of a fear for their life.
Avoid demonstrations because of the risk of escalation instigated by hostile elements and agitators.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
U.S. nationals of Armenian descent may encounter anti-Armenian sentiments. Even if issued a visa, authorities could deny them entry into Azerbaijan.
Law Enforcement
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service are responsible for security within the country and report directly to the president. The Ministry of Internal Affairs oversees local police forces and maintains internal civil defense troops. The State Security Service is responsible for domestic matters, and the Foreign Intelligence Service focuses on foreign intelligence and counterintelligence matters. The State Migration Service and the State Border Service are responsible for migration and border enforcement. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. In past years, there have been reports that members of security forces committed numerous abuses.
Police Response
The police presence in Baku is significant, but most officers have little experience in dealing with Westerners; the number of English-speaking police officers is low. Outside the capital and in rural areas, the lack of English is more pronounced. The level of police training and response varies among regions and units. Azerbaijani police response times are variable.
The emergency line for the police in Azerbaijan is 102. Request an English-speaking operator, a service that should be available 24 hours a day.
Armed Conflict
The Azerbaijani government reclaimed the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh during Fall 2023. The area is still heavily militarized and movement in the region islimited. Hostilities have officially ceased, however, the dangers posed by landmine contamination continue.
Avoid travel near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. If choosing to travel to the border region, exercise increased caution. Roads near the returned territories may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice. The U.S. Government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh because Azerbaijan limits access to the region.
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. U.S. citizens should avoid the southern border area unless this is your best overland exit from Iran.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Azerbaijan is undergoing a massive infrastructure improvement program, with many major highways and primary thoroughfares under construction. Although newer sections of the road system have improved significantly, unfinished sections remain dangerous. Road conditions are generally poor, with better conditions in larger cities. Driving hazards (e.g., debris, sinkholes, potholes) are common. Roadways outside metropolitan areas lack proper lighting, and reduced visibility at night compounds driving hazards. It is common to encounter drivers at night not using any lighting. Construction zones may be indistinguishable until the driver is already upon them. Pedestrians contribute to the hazardous driving conditions by disregarding lane markings, other vehicles, crosswalks, signs/signals, and demonstrating a general disregard for safe pedestrian behavior.
Traffic police enforce traffic laws inconsistently and at a generally low level relative to the widespread incidents of reckless driving. Drivers often disregard traffic regulations, signals, lane markings, pedestrians, and other drivers. Drivers often speed excessively. Road accidents are frequent and serious. Exercise extreme care during winter, as local authorities do not clear roadways of snow or ice, increasing the frequency of accidents. Azerbaijan uses speed and traffic cameras widely. All vehicle license plates have radio frequency identification chips.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Only use established taxi companies and/or professional private drivers for travel. Most unmarked, and some marked taxis are not metered, and foreigners are often overcharged. Do not use unmarked taxis. Negotiate the fare before entering a taxi. Asking for a reasonable fare is expected and appropriate. The 189 telephone taxi service will provide the fare in advance and specify the license number of the taxi to be dispatched.
Using the Bolt app on a mobile phone provides the same information. Purple London-style taxi cabs (9000) may have meters, but passengers should confirm that the meter is activated. Most of these cabs have established a 3 AZN minimum charge, although there are still several cabs that start trips with a 1 AZN minimum. Hiring a private car through a reputable hotel is a safe alternative, although more expensive. Uber is available but requires downloading an Azerbaijan-specific app from a local app store, which is not always possible for foreign mobile phone numbers. Be prepared to pay cab fare in cash, with small bills.
The Baku metro system is an inexpensive and reliable option for transportation. Security cameras provide excellent coverage of all metro platforms. There are police units at each metro station, who may conduct random bag checks at entrances. However, recent issues with the power grid in the city revealed a lack of reliable emergency plans to evacuate the metro system, should it become inoperable.
Even though no restrictions on using the public bus network in Azerbaijan, personnel should reconsider due `to the lack of training and the unsafe driving practices of bus drivers. Safety and licensing standards do not meet requirements in the United States.
Aviation Concerns
A The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Azerbaijan’s State Civil Aviation Administration as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Find further information on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Travelers cannot enter Azerbaijan by taking a Caspian Sea passenger/cargo ferry from Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan. However, travelers are permitted to use these ferries to exit Azerbaijan into Central Asia.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly warns all citizens and maritime workers to avoid commercial merchant ships operating anywhere near active regional conflict pathways due to drone strikes on civilian vessels. This includes on the Caspian Sea, which has undergone increased militarization by Iran.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Azerbaijan, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan.
The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The government generally observes these requirements. There remains a risk of detention of American citizens at the Russian border. The U.S. government is unable to provide immediate emergency assistance to U.S. citizens because U.S. government employees working in Azerbaijan are prohibited from non-official travel to the border region.
Be aware of ongoing human rights concerns in Azerbaijan, including reports of arbitrary arrests, restrictions on freedom of expression, and mistreatment of detainees. Journalists and activists may face harassment and imprisonment. Stay informed about local laws and respect local customs to avoid any legal issues. Individuals can be legally detained for up to four days before being charged. Depending on the charges, they may remain in detention for up to 19 months during a pre-trial investigation.
Officials sometimes engaged in corrupt practices, and polling data consistently showed the majority of the public believed corruption was widespread, officials were rarely held accountable, investigation and prosecution of corruption cases were slow, and penalties were mild.
Corruption is a problem. U.S. firms have identified corruption in government procurement, licensing, dispute settlement, regulation, customs, and taxation as significant obstacles to investment.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
Dial 103 for emergency medical services. Adequate health facilities are available in Baku and other major cities, but healthcare in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. International SOS operates one medical clinic in Baku that provides adequate 24-hour care for minor medical problems and limited emergencies. Do not undergo surgery in Azerbaijan unless it is for a life-and-death emergency. Bring adequate amounts of prescription medicine in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescriptions for the duration of your visit, as pharmacies often do not carry all brands or doses.
Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are typically not staffed with trained paramedics, and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Patients bear all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
The vaccinations that are recommended for Azerbaijan are the same as Western Europe and the United States, with the addition of the pre-exposure rabies series and typhoid; these are recommended, but not required. The following diseases are prevalent: Tuberculosis, HIV, and Hepatitis.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
The list of banned medications in Azerbaijan is comprised of controlled substances and cannabinoids. U.S. Embassy Baku recommends against traveling with controlled substances and/or cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC related medications. Obtain a stamped prescription from your medical provider for any prescription medications.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
The quality of water varies depending on location. There have been known recent incidences of water-borne illnesses, and U.S. Embassy Baku continues to monitor the quality of drinking water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan is a seismically active area, and numerous low-magnitude earthquakes occur throughout the year, but most of them are not perceptible. Due to the risk of earthquakes, maintain a 72-hour kit with basic emergency supplies, food, medicine, water, and clothing.
Review OSAC’s report, Central Asia Earthquake Preparedness.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime, specifically fraud, is a growing concern in Azerbaijan. However, the country does not face the same persistent intrusion concerns as much of the rest of Europe.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Intellectual property right enforcement remains weak in Azerbaijan. Although Azerbaijan law protects copyrights, patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, U.S. and multinational companies report significant problems with counterfeit goods and parallel imports. While the legal structure covering IP protections is relatively strong, enforcement is weak. Piracy and blatant infringement on IP, such as the use of unlicensed software by both the private and public sectors and fake international computer shops are common.
Travelers should be aware of the possibility of surveillance by government authorities. Travelers should not expect privacy in online, text-based, or audio communications.
Import/Export Restrictions
The exportation of any goods deemed “Heritage Items” by the government of Azerbaijan is prohibited. Taking carpets, artwork, and other cultural artifacts out of the country requires an export certificate. Smaller carpets, around prayer rug size, may be excluded from the export restrictions. There are no specific restrictions on the importation and use of satellite phones at this time.
Azerbaijan does not allow the import of drones without prior authorization. Drones brought into the country without authorization are subject to confiscation by customs officials.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.