Azerbaijan – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Last Update: Reissued with updates to the Travel Advisory level, health information and “Do Not Travel” areas.

Exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan due to terrorism concerns and areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do not travel to:

• The border region with Armenia.
• The Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories due to recent hostilities.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups that continue to plot attacks pose a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. 

Until September 2020 the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding territories were under Armenian control.  Following seven weeks of armed hostilities in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan took control of these seven territories and parts of Nagorno-Karabakh.  While the November 2020 ceasefire arrangement has largely held, military incidents occur on a regular basis.  From September 13-15, military activity took place along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, which caused damage to towns near the border.   

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Azerbaijan.

If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Azerbaijan.
• Avoid demonstrations. 
• Stay alert in locations frequented by foreigners. 
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Armenia– Level 4: Do not Travel

There is the potential fighting along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border as part of the ongoing armed conflict.  U.S. citizens should avoid the area.  Exercise caution on roads near Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia.  Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice.  Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.  The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region. 

Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh due to landmine contamination and restricted access.