Azerbaijan

Recommended Vaccinations For Azerbaijan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to Measles in this country, therefore, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated, at risk travellers and children under 16 years of age. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering the BCG vaccine

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Azerbaijan

There are no recommendations for Azerbaijan at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Azerbaijan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the infected persons**.**

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Azerbaijan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Safety & Security in Azerbaijan

Personal Safety

Although there is general hospitality towards tourists in Azerbaijan, travellers are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never let your drink out of your sight.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Azerbaijan. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, debris, and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Azerbaijan has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving; all drivers must have a blood alcohol level of zero.

Public transportation, especially buses, may be unreliable, overcrowded and unsafe outside of Baku. However, the Baku Metro system is considered to be fairly safe. Travellers are advised to use only registered, official or marked “purple taxis” as they have seat belts, meters, and reasonable fares.

Due to Azerbaijan’s location in an active earthquake zone, seismic activity is not uncommon.

All travellers are advised against public displays of affection. LGBTI travelers are advised that although same-sex relations are not illegal in Azerbaijan, the conservative nature of the country may result in a lack of tolerance of, and discrimination towards, same-sex behaviour.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious and cultural practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local sensitivities.

Additionally, travellers are advised to be sensitive when visiting and photographing cultural monuments, mosques, and churches. Do not photograph military personnel, equipment or installations.

Political Unrest

Political tension remains in Azerbaijan, particularly around Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Landmines remain in this closed military area.

Areas To Avoid

Nagorno-Karabakh region and within 5km of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. This is a politically unstable area and is designated as a closed military area that may contain landmines. It is a location of reoccurring violence. Also avoid these districts: Zengilan, Jabrayil, Qubadli, Lachin and Kelbajar, western areas of Khojavand, Fuzuli and Aghdam rayons.