Azerbaijan: A Safe Haven Or Tourist Trap?

Azerbaijan is a country with a complex security situation. While the country has a high risk of terrorism, violent crime is rare, and overall, Azerbaijan is considered one of the safest countries in its region. However, due to the presence of unexploded ordnance and the unpredictable security situation in its border regions, the country has varying travel advisories, with some governments advising against all travel to certain districts in Western Azerbaijan and the border with Armenia.

Border regions with Armenia are dangerous due to the risk of armed conflict

In 1988, the region's parliament, which was majority Armenian, voted to join Armenia. This led to a series of pogroms against Armenians across Azerbaijan, followed by violence committed against both Armenians and Azerbaijanis. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war in the early 1990s following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, resulting in the occupation of regions around Nagorno-Karabakh and the expulsion of ethnic Armenians from Azerbaijan, and ethnic Azerbaijanis from Armenia and Armenian-controlled areas. A ceasefire was signed in 1994, but this did not put an end to the tensions.

In 2016, intense fighting along the Nagorno-Karabakh frontline killed hundreds on both sides and foreshadowed further conflict. In September 2020, large-scale fighting broke out once again, resulting in thousands of casualties and a significant Azerbaijani victory. A ceasefire was agreed in November of that year, but violations continued, and Azerbaijan launched a new military offensive in September 2023.

Due to this ongoing conflict, the U.S. Department of State currently advises U.S. citizens to avoid the border region with Armenia, warning of the potential for fighting along the border as part of the ongoing armed conflict. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) similarly advises against all travel to the border areas due to the risk of armed clashes.

Terrorist attacks are a threat in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is considered unsafe due to the threat of terrorism, with the US Department of State warning travellers to exercise increased caution in the country. Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks and pose a risk to those in Azerbaijan, with targets potentially including tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and airports.

The country's law enforcement and security services have demonstrated an adequate capacity to detect, deter, and prevent acts of terrorism within Azerbaijan's territory. In 2019, the Azerbaijani government actively worked to prevent terrorist efforts to move people, money, and materials across its borders. They also conducted operations to disrupt and prevent terror attacks, arresting and prosecuting suspected terrorists.

However, despite these efforts, the threat of terrorism remains. Travellers are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in public places or areas frequented by foreigners, such as tourist attractions. It is also recommended to follow local news and official warnings, and to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, as they can turn violent.

Additionally, travellers should be cautious when using taxis, as scams are common, and it is advised to only use official or premium taxi services. Violent crime is rare in Azerbaijan, but foreigners have reported incidents such as burglaries, robbery, and assault. It is recommended to stay alert when walking after dark and to avoid using ATMs on the street.

The US Department of State currently advises travellers to exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan, issuing a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the country due to terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict. The border region with Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region are particularly dangerous and are assigned a Level 4 advisory, warning travellers to avoid these areas due to the potential for armed conflict and the presence of landmines.

Violent crime is rare, but foreigners have been targeted

Violent crime is rare in Azerbaijan, but foreigners have been targeted in serious crimes, including home burglaries, robberies, and assaults. It is advised to be cautious when walking after dark, especially near hotels and in residential areas.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Azerbaijan, with terrorist attacks likely to be indiscriminate and against civilian targets. These targets include places frequented by foreign nationals, such as international hotels, restaurants, and pubs, as well as transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and tourist locations. It is recommended to stay alert in locations frequented by foreigners and to monitor local media for updates.

Additionally, there is a volatile security environment and a risk of armed conflict along the border with Armenia. The U.S. Department of State advises against travelling to the border region and Nagorno-Karabakh due to the potential for fighting and landmine contamination.

Crime levels in Baku are generally low, but tourists should be vigilant against bag-snatching and mugging, especially after dark in the town centre. It is recommended to avoid displaying large sums of money or expensive valuables and to refrain from walking alone at night.

When using taxis, it is advised to use official or premium services and to agree on a fare in advance or ensure the taxi meter is switched on. Credit card and ATM fraud are also concerns, so it is important to use ATMs inside banks or controlled areas and to be cautious when using credit cards in shops and restaurants.

Overall, while violent crime is rare in Azerbaijan, it is important for foreigners to stay vigilant and follow recommended safety precautions.

Scams and petty crime are common

Taxi scams are prevalent in Azerbaijan, with drivers attempting to overcharge passengers by claiming that the amount shown on the app is the starting rate and not the overall trip cost. They may also try to sell you a SIM card and take you to a store with extremely inflated prices. It is recommended to use premium or app-based taxi services instead of basic economy taxis to avoid these scams.

Another common scam involves a woman approaching a male patron in a bar and asking him to buy her a drink. After some conversation, the customer is presented with an exorbitant bill. When the customer protests, several men approach and threaten physical violence if the bill is not paid. This scam often occurs in bars frequented by Westerners and expats.

There have also been reports of thieves posing as police officers and demanding money. They may issue fake tickets on the roadways. However, the police are allowed to check your documents, so always carry your passport and visa, and ensure you have an Ovir registration if you plan to stay in the country for more than three days.

Other scams to be aware of include children or elderly people begging for money, groups of gypsies who may pickpocket, and street vendors trying to cheat tourists. Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid those that are on the street, especially at night.

Additionally, be wary of friendship offers from locals, as there have been instances of locals asking foreigners to pay a non-existent "return guarantee fee" to the Azerbaijani Immigration Service.

Azerbaijan is conservative, and public displays of affection may be frowned upon

Azerbaijan is considered a safe country to visit, with low crime rates and visible law enforcement, especially in tourist areas. However, it is important to exercise caution due to the threat of terrorism and areas of ongoing conflict. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory, recommending that travellers exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan due to terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict.

When it comes to public displays of affection, Azerbaijan is a predominantly conservative country, and such displays may be frowned upon. While same-sex relations are legal, they are not widely accepted, and LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination, intolerance, or violence. As such, it is advisable to avoid public displays of affection, especially between same-sex partners, to ensure safety and respect for local customs and societal norms. In Baku, the cosmopolitan heart of Azerbaijan, walking hand-in-hand with a partner may be more acceptable, but it is still recommended to exercise caution and be mindful of the cultural context.

In addition to the conservative attitudes towards public displays of affection, travellers should also be aware of other cultural considerations. For example, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, it may be illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day. It is important to respect these religious and cultural customs and seek local advice to avoid causing offence.

Furthermore, travellers should be cautious when using taxis, as scams are common. It is recommended to use registered or official taxis arranged by hotels and to avoid paying with a card, as drivers may try to scam passengers by claiming that the app price is only the starting rate. Additionally, be aware of potential scams involving SIM cards and unofficial money changers at the airport.

While Azerbaijan is considered safe, violent crime and serious crimes such as home burglaries, robbery, and assault have been reported. It is recommended to stay alert, especially when walking after dark near hotels and residential areas. Protests and demonstrations can also turn violent, so it is best to avoid large public gatherings and exercise caution in locations where foreigners may gather.

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