Azerbaijan's Danger: A Comprehensive Overview

Azerbaijan is a country with a complex history and a diverse range of attractions, from the Soviet grandeur of its capital, Baku, to the scenic mountain ranges and valleys. However, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns when travelling to this country. While Azerbaijan is generally considered a safe place to visit, with crime rates declining over the years, there are certain risks that travellers should be cautious about.

One of the main concerns is the ongoing border dispute with neighbouring Armenia, which has led to military conflicts and a volatile security environment. The region of Nagorno-Karabakh, disputed between the two countries, has witnessed violent clashes and remains heavily landmine contaminated. Travellers are advised to avoid this region and exercise caution near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border due to the potential for armed conflict.

In addition to political instability and border disputes, visitors to Azerbaijan should be vigilant against petty theft, pickpocketing, and scams. Tourists are often targeted for crimes such as pickpocketing and mugging, especially in crowded areas. It is recommended to protect yourself by being vigilant, keeping your money secure, and avoiding walking alone at night.

Another safety concern in Azerbaijan is the issue of natural disasters and unstable geological conditions. Seasonal flooding, landslides, and earthquakes can impact the safety and transport within the country. Additionally, there is a presence of venomous snakes, scorpions, and bears in certain areas, which travellers should be cautious about.

When it comes to healthcare, the quality and accessibility of medical facilities vary across the country. While Baku has modern hospitals and clinics, the rest of the country may lack well-maintained medical services. It is recommended to have adequate travel insurance and a well-stocked first aid kit when travelling outside the capital.

In conclusion, while Azerbaijan offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, travellers should be aware of potential safety risks. By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and being respectful of local customs and laws, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this fascinating country.

Border disputes with Armenia

Azerbaijan and Armenia have been engaged in a border conflict since 12 May 2021, when Azerbaijani soldiers crossed into the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik in Armenia. This incursion was followed by repeated escalations, with significant incursions occurring along the Armenia–Nakhchivan border in July 2021 and in the Gegharkunik–Kalbajar area in November 2021. In August 2021, Azerbaijani forces blockaded southern Armenia by closing the main north–south highway, effectively isolating Armenia from Iran. The most severe confrontation took place in September 2022, marking the largest attack by Azerbaijan on Armenia in the history of their conflict, resulting in casualties on both sides.

The conflict stems from the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which was recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan but was inhabited mostly by ethnic Armenians until 2023. The region was entirely claimed by and partially controlled by the breakaway Republic of Artsakh. In 2020, Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding territories following armed hostilities.

The border dispute has resulted in a heavily militarised border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with local Armenian residents facing direct targeting, restricted access to essential resources, and displacement. There have been reports of Azerbaijani forces kidnapping, torturing, raping, executing, and forcibly disappearing Armenian civilians in border regions.

In April 2024, Armenia and Azerbaijan reached an agreement to demarcate the border between the two states based on the Alma-Ata declaration. However, this has not resolved the conflict, as Azerbaijan continues to promote expansionist claims to Armenian territory, which it describes as "Western Azerbaijan".

The ongoing border dispute has led to international travel advisories against visiting southern Armenia and areas bordering Azerbaijan, including Syunik, Vayots Dzor, southern Gegharkunik, and parts of Tavush.

Violent conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region

Azerbaijan is deemed a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution country due to terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict. The Nagorno-Karabakh region, in particular, has been a site of violent conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The region was historically inhabited mostly by ethnic Armenians and was internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. However, in 1988, the region's legislature voted to join Armenia, citing self-determination laws. This led to a series of pogroms against Armenians across Azerbaijan, followed by violence against both Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

The conflict escalated into full-scale war in the early 1990s, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and hundreds of thousands of refugees. A ceasefire was signed in 1994, but intermittent clashes continued, with both sides using attack drones, shelling, and special operations activities. In 2016, intense fighting along the separation line killed hundreds on both sides.

In September 2020, large-scale fighting resumed, resulting in thousands of casualties and a significant Azerbaijani victory. A ceasefire agreement was reached in November 2020, with Azerbaijan regaining control of the seven districts surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and a portion of Nagorno-Karabakh itself. Despite the ceasefire, tensions and border clashes continued, with Azerbaijan tightening its control over the region and blocking access to humanitarian aid.

In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in another ceasefire agreement and the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh on January 1, 2024. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies. The political status of the region remains unresolved, and international mediation efforts have failed to produce a permanent solution.

Crime and scams

Crime in Azerbaijan exists on several levels and is exacerbated by political instability and violence related to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. In this region, dangers include sniper shootings, insurgent attacks, and landmines. However, travellers can avoid these issues by staying away from the area.

The capital, Baku, has seen a shift from petty crime to more violent attacks, some involving travellers. Men are targeted more often than women, and alcohol is often a contributing factor. These attacks typically occur at night, with a group of men adopting a "jumping" approach. They are more common during the winter months and in tourist areas such as Fountain Square and the Maiden's Tower.

One common scam in Baku involves a woman approaching a man in an expat or tourist bar and asking for a drink. She will then leave him with an exorbitant bar tab, and if he refuses to pay, a group of men will use physical force or the threat thereof. Other scams involve children or elderly people begging for money or pickpocketing, and groups of gypsies have been reported to operate in a similar manner.

Street vendors and cab drivers have also been known to cheat travellers. It is recommended to bargain with store clerks and settle on a taxi rate before the ride. While ATM fraud is less common in Azerbaijan than elsewhere, it is still a concern, and travellers are advised to check their bank statements regularly.

Fake police officers are another issue in Azerbaijan. Travellers should be aware that thieves sometimes pose as police officers and target tourists and foreign residents for money. Additionally, fake tickets may be issued on the road by people who may or may not be actual police officers. While the police are permitted to check documents, travellers should ensure they have their passports and Ovir registration (usually handled by hotels) if staying in the country for more than three days.

Azerbaijan is a source, destination, and transit point for human trafficking, with Azerbaijani men and boys exploited in forced labour and women and children in sex trafficking. The country is also a transit point for counterfeit goods due to weak intellectual property law enforcement, and a black market exists for smuggled goods.

Corruption is widespread in the oil and gas extraction industry, with a severe lack of transparency surrounding profit distribution, enabling bribery. Organised crime groups engage in oil theft and smuggling to neighbouring countries.

Azerbaijan is a transit country for heroin and opium, mainly trafficked from Iran and Afghanistan to Russia and the EU. It is also a source and transit country for the cannabis trade due to its location along major drug trafficking routes. While drug use and cultivation exist within the country, they are relatively small-scale.

Financial scams are becoming more common in Azerbaijan, with internet dating being the most prevalent form. However, scams related to fraudulent real estate deals, licensing requirements, and travel advertisements have also been reported. Credit and debit card fraud, such as credit card skimming, are additional concerns.

Poor healthcare outside of Baku

Azerbaijan's healthcare system is provided by both public and private institutions and is regulated by the Ministry of Healthcare. While the system has undergone positive reform, it still lacks efficiency and funding. Most public medical facilities are located in Baku, with very few situated in more rural areas. These facilities are often short of quality medical equipment, amenities, and personnel.

The few public hospitals outside of Baku are inefficient and underfunded, and medical treatment is fairly unavailable in rural locations. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of Baku and provide urgent medical treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that U.S. citizens purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Private hospitals, on the other hand, have better medical care with top-notch staff and advanced medical equipment. These hospitals have recently expanded throughout Baku, providing expatriates with even more options.

Azerbaijan's mandatory insurance program could generate significant demand for improved access to healthcare outside of Baku, including the use of digitalization solutions.

Natural disasters

Azerbaijan is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, and flooding. The country is located in an area of regular seismic activity, and while there have been no recent serious earthquakes in Azerbaijan, the GFDRR Disaster Risk Profile estimates that a significant earthquake would affect 3 million people, or 34% of the population.

Droughts are a frequent occurrence, leading to forest fires such as those in 2014 when 59 hectares of forest were damaged by 12 fires. Flooding is also a regular issue, causing an estimated $18-25 million in economic damage each year.

Frequently asked questions