Azerbaijan Country Report

The Republic of Azerbaijan is a South Caucasian country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and West Asia. The former Soviet Republic is one of six Turkic states and a member of European-focused organizations, such as the Council of Europe and the NATO Partnership for Peace, as well as the Russian-backed Commonwealth of Independent States. Azerbaijan has seen high levels of economic development over the last two decades and is well-connected to international trade networks; however, the nation's political system is often characterized as repressive and authoritarian.

The main threats travelers face in Azerbaijan are crime, civil unrest, and poor overland travel outside major cities. Petty criminal acts such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common, and there is a general threat from Islamic extremist terrorism, which emanates from Central Asia and the Middle East. The political situation is largely stable, although demonstrations occasionally take place and can turn violent following heavy-handed police intervention.

Despite a September 2023 deal to reintegrate the Nagorno-Karabakh region into Azerbaijan, tensions persist with neighboring Armenia; Baku and Yerevan have fought two wars over control of the region. Despite the reintegration agreement, sporadic clashes between ethnic Armenian militants and the Azerbaijani Armed Forces remain possible. Tensions and occasional exchanges of small arms and artillery fire remain possible with neighboring Armenia along their shared border, including the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave. Some areas of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts previously occupied by ethnic-Armenian forces are heavily mined. Medical facilities outside of Baku are limited.

Relations with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh region remain tense following Azerbaijan's successful military operation to retake the region in September 2023. Rounds of unrest associated with local socioeconomic issues may also lead to violent protests.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

While roads are generally well maintained in major cities, roads can be poor in remote regions.

The Port of Baku is efficient and reliable.

There are increased concerns over safety and reliability towards water in Azerbaijan

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber-attacks following the second Karabakh war.

Azerbaijan is exposed to seismic activity, flooding, and harsh winter conditions which periodically lead to localized travel and service disruptions. The status of local infrastructure enhances the potential impact of inclement weather outside of major cities.

Azerbaijan is not exposed to any epidemic concern but the status of the local medical infrastructure outside of major cities as well as the potential lack of medical supplies in remote areas lead to a potential need of medical evacuation for those with complex medical needs.

Corruption both in the private and the public sector as well as the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh region are key characteristics of the political landscape. State outlets - and most private ones - promote the cult of the ruling Aliyev family to help ensure stability and discourage dissent.