Exploring Armenia After Azerbaijan: What Travelers Should Know

It is possible to visit Armenia after Azerbaijan, but you will likely face more difficulties than if you visited Armenia first. Travellers have reported being questioned at the border and having their luggage scanned, and some Armenian goods may be confiscated. However, it is important to note that you cannot travel directly from Azerbaijan to Armenia; you must return to Georgia and enter Armenia from there. It is also crucial to avoid visiting Nagorno-Karabakh before entering Azerbaijan, as this will result in being banned from the country.

Border crossings between Armenia and Azerbaijan

The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been closed since 1991. The de jure border follows that of the former Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. It consists of two main segments: that between Armenia and Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave in the west, and the longer section between Armenia and 'mainland' Azerbaijan to the east. The border crisis began following Armenia's defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, with numerous instances of incursions and occupations by Azeri forces of Armenian territory.

There are no acting border crossing points between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is possible to fly into Azerbaijan without restrictions and exit via land or sea, but travellers cannot enter Azerbaijan via a land or sea border. Azerbaijan has kept its land and sea borders closed since the pandemic. Travellers cannot enter Azerbaijan with a Nagorno-Karabakh passport stamp or visa.

Travellers entering Azerbaijan with an Armenian passport stamp may be bothered, questioned, or interrogated at the border. However, some travellers have reported that they were able to enter Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp in their passport, while others have been refused entry. Travellers entering Azerbaijan from Armenia may have their luggage scanned and be asked whether they have any contraband or goods bought in Armenia, which will be confiscated.

The impact of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on travel

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has had a significant impact on travel between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with many people expressing concerns about safety and potential issues when visiting one country after the other. While it is generally possible to travel between the two countries, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, there have been reports of increased scrutiny and questioning at the Azerbaijani border for individuals with Armenian stamps in their passports. Some travellers have shared their experiences of being interrogated or bothered by border officials when entering Azerbaijan after visiting Armenia. This does not seem to be a common issue when entering Armenia with an Azerbaijani stamp, although there may still be some questions about the purpose of the visit. It is worth noting that these experiences vary, and some travellers have reported no problems entering either country with the other's stamp in their passport.

Secondly, visiting Nagorno-Karabakh will result in a complete ban on entering Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani authorities have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who has visited Nagorno-Karabakh, and travellers may be sent back, detained, or even charged for illegal entry. This is an important consideration for anyone planning to visit the region.

Additionally, due to the ongoing conflict, there are areas near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border that are considered unsafe for travel. The U.S. Department of State, for example, has advised its citizens to avoid the border region and has prohibited non-essential travel for embassy employees and their families to certain areas in Armenia. These travel warnings are subject to change and should be monitored closely when planning a trip to the region.

Finally, when travelling between Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is advisable to return to Georgia and enter the other country from there. Direct travel between the two countries may be challenging due to the tense relationship between them. It is also important to keep receipts and be prepared for luggage scans, as goods purchased in Armenia may be confiscated at the Azerbaijani border.

In conclusion, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has created a complex situation that impacts travel between Armenia and Azerbaijan. While it is possible to visit both countries, travellers should be aware of the potential challenges and take the necessary precautions. Staying informed about the latest travel advisories and border regulations is essential for a safe and smooth journey.

Travel advisories for the region

The US Department of State advises citizens to exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. The border region with Azerbaijan is listed as Level 4: Do Not Travel. There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, and citizens are advised to avoid the area. The US Embassy has prohibited non-essential travel to the border region and other areas of Armenia by its employees and their families.

Some travellers have reported experiencing no problems entering Armenia after visiting Azerbaijan. However, others have been questioned at the border, and some have had goods bought in Armenia confiscated. It is also advised to retain hotel receipts to prove that you have not visited Nagorno-Karabakh, as visiting this region may result in being banned from entering Azerbaijan.

It is generally recommended to visit Azerbaijan before Armenia, as it is more difficult to enter Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp in your passport. German MoFA states in their travel advice that foreigners have occasionally been refused entry to Azerbaijan because of an Armenian stamp. Additionally, officials from Azerbaijan may give travellers trouble if they notice an Armenian stamp.

The safety of travelling to Azerbaijan after visiting Armenia

Travelling to Azerbaijan after visiting Armenia is generally possible, but there are a few key safety considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to be aware of the ongoing tensions between the two countries due to their disputed border, with the FCDO advising against all travel to within 5km of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. It is recommended to avoid this border region due to the risk of armed clashes.

When entering Azerbaijan, you may be questioned by border officials about your visit to Armenia, and your luggage may be scanned for any goods purchased there, which could be confiscated. It is advisable to keep hold of hotel receipts to prove that you did not visit Nagorno-Karabakh, as visiting this region will result in being denied entry into Azerbaijan. Some travellers have reported being treated rudely or aggressively by Azerbaijani border officials when they see an Armenian stamp in their passport, so it may be advisable to request that any stamp be placed on a separate piece of paper instead.

In terms of safety within Azerbaijan, the country has a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism, particularly in public places. Violent crime is rare, but foreigners have been targeted in serious crimes such as burglary, robbery, and assault. It is recommended to avoid walking alone after dark, including near hotels and residential areas, and to avoid using unofficial taxis. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ travellers should be cautious as same-sex relations are legal but not widely accepted, and LGBTIQA+ individuals may face discrimination, intolerance, or violence.

Overall, while it is possible to travel to Azerbaijan after visiting Armenia, it is essential to stay informed about the ongoing political situation between the two countries and to exercise caution during your visit to Azerbaijan.

The ease of travelling to Armenia after visiting Azerbaijan

Travelling to Armenia after visiting Azerbaijan is possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that there is no direct travel from Azerbaijan to Armenia due to the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Therefore, if you are planning to visit both countries, you will need to return to Georgia and enter Armenia from there.

When travelling from Azerbaijan to Armenia, you may encounter some difficulties at the border. Some people have reported being questioned or interrogated by border officials, particularly if they have an Armenian passport stamp. However, others have stated that they had no problems entering Azerbaijan with an Armenian stamp. It is worth noting that visiting the Nagorno-Karabakh region will likely result in being banned from entering Azerbaijan.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended to visit Azerbaijan first and then Armenia. This way, you can avoid any potential problems at the Azerbaijani border. Additionally, keep in mind that anything purchased in Armenia may be confiscated at the Azerbaijani border, so it is best to leave any souvenirs or other items behind before crossing.

Overall, while there may be some challenges when travelling from Azerbaijan to Armenia, it is possible to do so safely. By planning your trip carefully and being aware of the potential issues, you can ensure a smooth journey between the two countries.

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