Exploring Azerbaijan With An Armenian Stamp In Your Passport

Due to the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, travellers often wonder whether they can enter one country with a passport bearing the stamp of the other. While it is possible to enter Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp, you will likely be questioned at the border. However, if you have a Nagorno-Karabakh stamp, you will be denied entry into Azerbaijan. On the other hand, travellers can enter Armenia with an Azerbaijani stamp without any issues.

Border crossings between Azerbaijan and Armenia

The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been closed since 1991. There are no border crossing points between the two countries, and the border is heavily militarised. The two countries have been engaged in a border conflict since May 2021, with Azerbaijani soldiers occupying internationally recognised Armenian territory. This has resulted in restricted access to essential resources, farmlands, and social infrastructure for local Armenian residents, leading to a significant displacement of civilians.

Despite the conflict, it is still possible to visit both countries, and some travellers have reported being able to cross the border without issue. However, it is important to note that travellers with evidence of a visit to Nagorno-Karabakh in their passport may be denied entry to Azerbaijan. Travellers with an Armenian stamp in their passport may be questioned at the Azerbaijani border and may be treated with suspicion. It is recommended to visit Azerbaijan first and then Armenia to avoid potential problems. Additionally, anything bought in Armenia will be confiscated at the Azerbaijani border.

Entering Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp

If you have an Armenian stamp, you may be questioned about your activities and reasons for visiting Armenia. They may ask for details about your itinerary and the places you visited. It is important to remain calm and provide honest answers. You should also be prepared to show proof, such as hotel receipts, to demonstrate that you did not enter the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

To reduce potential issues, some travellers choose to obtain two passports, using one for Armenia and the other for Azerbaijan. This strategy can help avoid direct evidence of visiting the conflicting country. Additionally, entering Azerbaijan by air, particularly at Baku Airport, is generally considered a more relaxed entry point compared to land borders.

It is worth noting that individuals with Armenian surnames or those perceived to be of Armenian descent may encounter anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan. This could include increased scrutiny, questioning, or even denial of entry. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider your travel plans and be prepared for potential challenges when entering Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp in your passport.

While the information provided here is intended to give you an idea of what to expect, regulations and border control procedures can change, and individual experiences may vary. It is always advisable to check for the most recent updates and travel advisories before your trip.

Entering Armenia with an Azerbaijani stamp

However, if you have a Nagorno-Karabakh stamp in your passport, you will be refused entry into Armenia. This is because visiting Nagorno-Karabakh is a crime in Azerbaijan.

It is recommended that you visit Azerbaijan first and then Armenia to avoid any potential problems.

Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been ongoing for decades, with the most recent hostilities in 2020 and 2023 resulting in Azerbaijan taking control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding territories. Due to this ongoing conflict, travellers may face difficulties when visiting one country after the other.

Travellers have reported that entering Armenia with an Azerbaijani stamp in their passport is not an issue. They may be asked questions about their trip, but this is a standard procedure and should not cause any problems. Armenia is reported to be more relaxed about this issue than Azerbaijan.

However, entering Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp in one's passport may lead to more trouble. Travellers have reported being interrogated at the border, having their luggage searched, and even being denied entry. The Azerbaijani authorities are particularly concerned about visitors with evidence of travel to Nagorno-Karabakh in their passports. This could include stamps, visas, or any other indication of travel to this region. Such evidence may result in travellers being refused entry, detained, or even charged with illegal entry. Therefore, travellers planning to visit Azerbaijan are advised to avoid any indication of travel to Nagorno-Karabakh in their documents.

It is worth noting that the situation may vary depending on the traveller's nationality and the specific border crossing point. For example, some travellers have reported that entering Azerbaijan by air, especially at Baku Airport, is more relaxed than entering by land, particularly at the border with Georgia. Additionally, some sources suggest that having older stamps (from a few years ago) may be less likely to cause issues than recent ones.

Travellers are advised to exercise caution when visiting this region and stay updated with the latest travel advisories and warnings. It is also recommended to register with the relevant embassy and enrol in travel advisory programs, such as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive alerts and support in case of emergencies.

Azerbaijan's mandatory military service

Travelling to Azerbaijan with an Armenian Stamp

Some travellers have reported being questioned at the border when entering Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp in their passport. However, others have stated that they faced no issues. It is important to note that entry to Azerbaijan may be refused if there is evidence of a visit to Nagorno-Karabakh, either in the form of a stamp or receipts from the region.

Azerbaijan has mandatory military service for all able-bodied male citizens. Conscription begins at the age of 18, with four call-up periods per year. The length of military service is typically 18 months, but this can be reduced to 12 months for university graduates.

The following categories of citizens are exempt from mandatory military service:

• Individuals with a doctoral degree (PhD)
• People with serious health problems, including mental illness
• Citizens who have been arrested for committing a grave crime
• Those in preventive and operational registration in the police department

Temporary deferment may be granted for family or health reasons, or to continue education.

Frequently asked questions