Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue, the border areas of Nagorno Karabakh and Dagestan region should be deemed out of bounds. High profile visitors should consider the use of a security provider.

 

Crime

 

Crime levels in Baku are generally low, but muggings do occur from time to time after dark in the centre of town around the western bars and clubs and near dimly lit entrances of private apartments. Take sensible precautions: be vigilant, avoid carrying large sums of money and don’t walk alone at night. Try to arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible by a private/company driver, or a known taxi firm.

 

You can report a crime at any local police station or by telephoning the police on 102. English speaking staff are available on the telephone, but when reporting a crime at a police station take someone with you who can interpret. Don’t sign any documents you don’t understand.

 

Corruption is an everyday aspect of life in Azerbaijan. You should avoid paying bribes.

 

Local travel

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the military occupied area surrounding it. This area is the subject of a continuing dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and although a cease-fire has been in place since 1994 there are regular exchanges of gunfire across the Line of Contact. Some areas may be heavily land mined.

 

Don’t attempt to enter or leave Azerbaijan via the land borders with Russia (Dagestan) as they are closed to foreign nationals. If you hold a valid visa it is possible to cross the Iranian border at Astara.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive in Azerbaijan using a UK or EU driving licence. Right hand drive cars are not permitted in Azerbaijan.

 

Take care when driving particularly at night. Many roads are of poor quality and badly lit. Many cars are poorly maintained, and the standard of driving is erratic. One-way only signs are often ignored and road closures and diversions are not marked. Traffic lights are often switched to flashing amber at night, which means both directions can proceed with caution. Many taxis don’t have seat belts.

 

Drink driving laws are strict and there is a zero limit on drinking alcohol and driving.

 

In the winter months snowfall often causes problems. Keep a blanket, shovel, torch, snacks and old carpet or cat litter (to help if you get stuck in snow) if you intend to travel out of Baku in the winter months, or if heavy snowfall is forecast in Baku.

 

See the RAC guide on driving in Azerbaijan.

 

Rail Travel

 

The Baku Metro is reasonably maintained and has basic safety equipment and procedures. However, signs are only in Azerbaijani. There are police at each station and security checks of bags and belongings.

 

If you travel by overland train, secure your valuables, don’t leave the compartment unattended, and lock the door from the inside.

 

Air travel

 

A list of incidents and accidents in Azerbaijan can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

In 2008, an International Civil Aviation Organisation audit of aviation safety oversight found that the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Azerbaijan was below the global average.

 

The European Commission publishes a list of airlines banned from operating within the EU. The list is based on random inspections on aircraft of airlines that operate flights to and from EU airports. The fact that an airline is not included in the list does not automatically mean that it meets the applicable safety standards.

 

Genvisec can offer advice on the safety of individual airlines.

 

Political Situation

 

The political situation in Azerbaijan is calm.

 

Demonstrations occasionally take place, mainly in Baku. Opposition rallies are usually heavily policed and there has been violence on occasions. Keep well away from any large gatherings. Foreign media representatives should make sure they are clearly identifiable.

 

Health

Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

 

Medical facilities outside Baku are very limited. You should carry a comprehensive first aid kit for any trips out of Baku. Even in Baku serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Turkey or Western Europe. Make sure your insurance covers this.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in Azerbaijan call 102, an english speaking service is available.

 

Money

All goods and services are paid in local currency (Manats). Sterling, US dollars and Euros are easily exchanged. Major hotels and international supermarkets and restaurants accept credit cards. There are ATMs in most major towns and cities. Before you leave your home country, let your bank know you are travelling to Azerbaijan.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Most of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim. Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, and religion is usually considered a private matter. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

It is illegal to proselytise. (to convert (someone) from one religious faith to another)

 

Local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing. It is frowned upon for men (and to some extent women) to wear shorts, even in summer. This can attract unwelcome attention especially outside Baku.

 

Possession or use of illegal drugs of any kind carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. The usual penalty for smuggling drugs is a prison term of between 3 to 7 years and/or a heavy fine.

 

Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. You should carry your passport at all times. Keep it secure and leave a photocopy of the details page separately in a safe place.

 

While homosexuality is not illegal, LGBT people in Azerbaijan tend to keep a low profile as it is not acceptable to a large part of society. This is particularly true outside Baku and among the older generation. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially outside of Baku. Physical contact between men (holding hands, embracing etc) is usually a sign of friendship.

 

You need an export certificate to take antiques or art like carpets, samovars, copperware or paintings out of Azerbaijan. These are available from the Carpet Museum or through the seller. Catalogue and declare to Customs any carpets or anything antique looking – even if clearly from a different part of the world - that you bring to Azerbaijan with you. Your relocation company should be able to offer you advice on this.

 

Military bases, equipment and installations in whatever condition are considered sensitive areas, and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to visit or photograph them. Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites. If in doubt, seek permission.