Azerbaijan: Government extends special quarantine regime through Jan. 1 /update 39

Event

The government of Azerbaijan has extended the special quarantine regime imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 through at least 06:00 Jan. 1. Most nonessential businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing and capacity measures, though specific requirements can vary by location and type of business. COVID passports evidencing the holder is vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 are required to access many facilities, including indoor catering. Masks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces, including public transport.

As of Nov. 1 passengers aged 18 or older using public transport to travel to Baku or Sumqayit must possess an immunity certificate or show proof of having received two vaccine doses. Vaccination verification must be provided using Azerbaijan's "Check App" mobile application. The regulation does not apply to public transport passengers traveling to Baku or Sumqayit from other locations within the Absheron Peninsula region; persons traveling by taxi are also exempt.

International Travel Restrictions
Citizens and legal residents of several countries, including Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the US are allowed to travel to Azerbaijan by air without the previously required special permission provided they meet the following conditions:

• All passengers over the age of 18 years must possess official documentation (i.e., COVID Passport) issued by the relevant country demonstrating that they have either been fully vaccinated against or have recovered from COVID-19, in addition to a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight.

• All passengers between the ages of 1-18 years must possess a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight.

Authorities plan to perform periodic assessments and gradually ease entry restrictions for travelers from other locations. Returning Azerbaijani nationals require only a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight to enter the country. For a full list of countries approved for travel and further details on requirements for entering Azerbaijan, click here.

Land and maritime borders remain closed. The only option for entry and exit is via air on a limited number of commercial and charter flights operating to and from selected destinations. Passengers on domestic flights are no longer required to produce documentation of having been tested for COVID-19; however, those flying into Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) will undergo PCR tests upon arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Republic of Azerbaijan Cabinet of Ministers (in Azeri)
Republic of Azerbaijan Coronavirus Information Portal (in Azeri)