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Azerbaijan

What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Azerbaijan, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.

Travel advice levels

Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.

United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Advises against all travel to parts of the country

Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country

No numbered levels

Updated 2 September 2026

Latest change, in the source's words: Addition of information about visa procedures for visitors travelling to Azerbaijan in connection with the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (‘Entry requirements’ page).

Full advice on GOV.UK

United StatesU.S. Department of State

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Level 3 of 4

Updated 28 April 2026

Full advice on travel.state.gov

CanadaGlobal Affairs Canada

Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Level 2 of 4

Updated 24 September 2026

Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Full advice on travel.gc.ca

Emergency numbers

From the section “Emergency services in Azerbaijan” of the UK government's travel advice for Azerbaijan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police: 102

Local laws and customs

From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Azerbaijan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, although most of the population is Muslim. Religion is usually considered a private matter. 

Some areas, such as Martyrs’ Alley, are especially sensitive. Disruptive or disrespectful conduct in or around such area may result in police action, including fines or being summoned to the police station.

Personal ID

Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. Carry your passport at all times. Keep a copy of the photo page in a safe place.

Dress code

In Baku local and foreign women usually dress in conservative western-style clothing. It is now more acceptable for men to wear shorts in Baku in the summer months. Outside of Baku it may still be frowned on, and you may receive unwelcome attention.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country.

Most restaurants, cafés, shops and other services in Azerbaijan continue to operate during Ramadan. Some businesses may adjust their opening hours or offer special Ramadan arrangements.

During Ramadan, you should:

  • check opening hours of shops and restaurants, as these may vary

  • respect local religious customs and traditions

  • follow local dress codes, particularly when visiting religious sites - clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time

  • be aware that some people may be fasting and may be more tired than usual, especially in the late afternoon and early evening

  • be patient and considerate towards those who are observing Ramadan

Smoking restrictions

Smoking is restricted to designated areas. You can be fined for dropping smoking-related litter. Use bins provided.

Illegal drugs

Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Azerbaijan have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras and drones in sensitive locations

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites or sites of commemoration, such as the Alley of Martyrs in Baku. If in doubt, ask for permission.

Military bases, equipment and installations in any condition are considered sensitive areas, and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to visit or photograph them.

If you do not have temporary or permanent residence rights in Azerbaijan, you are not allowed to import drones. Any drones will be confiscated by the State Customs Office at the port or border and returned upon departure. 

Unmanned drones cannot be rented to individuals without a valid taxpayer identification number (TIN). If you have a TIN, special permission from the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport is required. Manned drones can be rented without requiring permission.

LGBT+ travellers

While same-sex sexual activity is not illegal, LGBT+ people in Azerbaijan tend to keep a low profile. Showing affection in public is frowned upon, especially outside of Baku and among the older generation.

Holding hands or embracing between men is usually a sign of friendship.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Travelling with medicines

From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Azerbaijan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Azerbaijan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes across the Caucasus region, although there have been no recent serious earthquakes in Azerbaijan. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

What to pack

Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.

Chargers and plugs

Plug typesCF
Voltage220/380 V
Frequency50 Hz

Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.

Clothes for the weather

JFMAMJJASOND

Rainfall Average temperature

January

Average
1 °C (34 °F)
Lows
-3 °C (27 °F)
Highs
5 °C (41 °F)
Rain
27 mm (1.1 in)
  • Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
  • Nights below freezing on average: hat, gloves and warm layers.
  • Usually dry.

February

Average
2 °C (36 °F)
Lows
-2 °C (29 °F)
Highs
6 °C (43 °F)
Rain
35 mm (1.4 in)
  • Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
  • Nights below freezing on average: hat, gloves and warm layers.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

March

Average
6 °C (43 °F)
Lows
2 °C (35 °F)
Highs
11 °C (51 °F)
Rain
46 mm (1.8 in)
  • Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

April

Average
12 °C (54 °F)
Lows
7 °C (44 °F)
Highs
18 °C (64 °F)
Rain
51 mm (2.0 in)
  • Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

May

Average
17 °C (62 °F)
Lows
12 °C (53 °F)
Highs
22 °C (72 °F)
Rain
60 mm (2.3 in)
  • Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

June

Average
22 °C (72 °F)
Lows
16 °C (62 °F)
Highs
28 °C (82 °F)
Rain
47 mm (1.8 in)
  • Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

July

Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
19 °C (67 °F)
Highs
31 °C (87 °F)
Rain
33 mm (1.3 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

August

Average
25 °C (76 °F)
Lows
19 °C (66 °F)
Highs
31 °C (87 °F)
Rain
27 mm (1.1 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Usually dry.

September

Average
20 °C (69 °F)
Lows
15 °C (59 °F)
Highs
26 °C (78 °F)
Rain
42 mm (1.6 in)
  • Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

October

Average
14 °C (58 °F)
Lows
9 °C (49 °F)
Highs
19 °C (67 °F)
Rain
52 mm (2.0 in)
  • Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

November

Average
8 °C (46 °F)
Lows
3 °C (38 °F)
Highs
12 °C (54 °F)
Rain
44 mm (1.7 in)
  • Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

December

Average
3 °C (37 °F)
Lows
-1 °C (30 °F)
Highs
7 °C (44 °F)
Rain
28 mm (1.1 in)
  • Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
  • Nights below freezing on average: hat, gloves and warm layers.
  • Usually dry.

National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).

What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.

Packing checklist

A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.

Documents
Health
Tech
Clothes and belongings

Entry requirements and visas

Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Azerbaijan.

About this page

This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.