How safe is Azerbaijan for travelers?

Crime

• Crime levels in Baku are generally low. Bag-snatching and mugging happen, particularly after dark.
• Card fraud is the FCDO's specific concern - see the money section.

Mines

• Twelve districts in south-western Azerbaijan carry mine and unexploded ordnance risk from the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all of them.
• Follow national and local authority advice in any area not yet cleared.
• This is a live hazard, not a legacy one. Clearance is ongoing and casualties still occur.

Photography

• Military bases, equipment and installations are sensitive areas and visitors have been detained for photographing them.
• Ask before photographing religious or commemorative sites, particularly memorials connected to the conflict.
• Azerbaijan is more sensitive about this than its neighbours, and the consequence is detention rather than a word.

Drugs

• Possession carries long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• The airports scan all baggage with advanced detection technology, which the FCDO mentions specifically. Trace amounts are found.

Driving and drinking

• There is no permitted blood alcohol level. Any alcohol detected risks severe fines or imprisonment.
• Driving standards are poor and accidents are frequent.

Protests

• Demonstrations are illegal in Azerbaijan and police respond quickly. Avoid any gathering.

LGBT+

• Same-sex activity is not criminalised, but people are discreet, and public displays of affection are discouraged - markedly so outside Baku.