Azerbaijan

September 24, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Republic of Azerbaijan, located in the southeastern Caucasus Mountains on the southwestern shore of the Caspian Sea, regained its independence in 1991 following the break-up of the Soviet Union. Western-style amenities are found in the capital, Baku, but they are generally not available outside that city. As a result of conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh area of Azerbaijan, insurgent forces occupy approximately 15 percent of Azerbaijani territory (in the southwest along the borders with Iran and Armenia).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Travelers may obtain single-entry visas for USD 40 by mail or in person from either the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, D.C. or any other Azerbaijani embassy offering consular services. Travelers may also obtain single-entry visas at the airport upon arrival. Visas are not available at the land border with Georgia. Two-entry visas (cost $80 U.S.) and one-year multiple-entry visas (cost $250 U.S.) are only available through an Azerbaijani embassy or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A letter of invitation from a contact in Azerbaijan is required, and travelers who expect to travel in the region should request a one-year, multiple-entry visa.

American citizens of Armenian ancestry have had visa applications denied by the Government of Azerbaijan on the grounds that their safety cannot be guaranteed.

U.S. citizens who obtain a one-entry visa at the port of entry are permitted to remain in Azerbaijan for up to one month, after which an extension of stay must be requested. For persons in Azerbaijan, visa applications, extensions or renewals are made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shikhali Kurbanov Str., 4, Baku; tel. (9-9412) 493 59 40. For additional information, please contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan, 2741 34th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (tel. 202-337-3500); e-mail azerbaijan@azembassy.com; Internet: http://www.azembassy.com.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Azerbaijan's laws affecting US citizens, individuals who also possess the nationality of Azerbaijan may be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of that country. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: A cease-fire has been in effect in the Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1994, although reports of armed clashes along the cease-fire line and along the border with Armenia continue. Anti-personnel mines are a danger in areas close to the front lines. It is not possible to enter the self-proclaimed "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh," which is not recognized by the United States, from Azerbaijan. Travelers are cautioned to avoid travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding occupied areas. Because of the existing state of hostilities, consular services are not available to Americans in Nagorno-Karabakh.

American citizens of Armenian ancestry considering travel to Azerbaijan should remain particularly vigilant when visiting the country, as the Government of Azerbaijan has claimed that it is unable to guarantee their safety.

Several unsanctioned political rallies have occurred in recent months. In the past, some of these rallies have become confrontational and have escalated into violence. Americans are advised to avoid all demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME: Although the Republic of Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent crime, incidents of street crime and assaults on foreigners are common. Visitors should follow the same precautions they would in any major city. Visitors should not walk alone at night, if possible. All crime incidents should be reported to the local police and U.S. Embassy. The Police Office of Crimes by and Against Foreigners has an English-speaking officer available at all times. They may be reached at (994 12) 490-95-32 or, after hours, at 490-94-52.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: A few Western-type medical clinics, the quality of which is comparable to those in Western countries, are operating in Baku. The quality of these clinics is good. However, medical facilities outside the capital remain inadequate, unsanitary, and unsafe. There is often a shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles and vaccines.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Azerbaijan is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Very Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Very Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Very Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Very Poor

Driving hazards such as open manholes, debris, sinkholes and potholes are common. Drivers do not pay attention to traffic regulations, signals, lanes, pedestrians or other drivers. Drivers often travel at extremely high speed, and accidents are frequent and often serious. Driving in Baku should be considered extremely hazardous. Outside the city, even where roads are present, conditions are similar. Roads are often in poor repair, unlit, and lack lane markings, traffic signs, and warnings. Many rural roads are largely unpaved.

Public transportation throughout the country is overcrowded and poorly maintained. The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages use of the Baku Metro. Train travel in the Caucasus region is not secure. For additional information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_roadsafety.html.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial service at present between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Azerbaijan's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Azerbaijan air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.

Travelers on airlines among the countries of the Caucasus may experience prolonged delays and sudden cancellations of flights. In addition to frequent delays, flights are often overcrowded with passengers without seats standing in the aisle along with excess unsecured cabin luggage. Even basic safety features such as seat belts are sometimes missing. Air travel to Azerbaijan on international carriers via the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey is more reliable.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Azerbaijani customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Azerbaijan of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities including carpets, medications, and caviar, and any amount of currency over USD 1000. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found here.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Azerbaijani laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Azerbaijan are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The Republic of Azerbaijan's economy is mostly cash-only. Traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted only in some hotels and a few restaurants and supermarkets. The national currency is the manat. An increasing number of commercial establishments have begun to enforce the requirement that purchases be made with manats.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

Azerbaijan is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in the Republic of Azerbaijan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Baku through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Azerbaijan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Baku. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Prospect Azadlig 83; tel. (9-9412) 498-03-35, 36, or 37; (9-9412) 490-66-71. More information can be obtained from Embassy Baku's Internet site at http://www.usembassybaku.org or by emailing ConsularBaku@state.gov.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 8, 2004, to update sections on Entry Requirements, Crime, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, Children's Issues, and Registration and Embassy Location.