Azerbaijan - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• The border region with Armenia due to potential for armed conflict.
• The former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories due to landmines.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and are a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They may target:

• Tourist locations
• Transportation centers (airports)
• Markets and shopping malls
• Local government buildings
• Hotels, clubs and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Parks
• Major sporting and cultural events
• Educational institutions
• Other public areas

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

If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Azerbaijan.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Level 4: Do Not Travel - Border with Armenia
There is the potential for fighting along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border.  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.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Azerbaijan are prohibited from non-essential travel to the border region. 

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Level 4: Do Not Travel - Former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories

Following armed hostilities in 2023, the former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories are under the control of Azerbaijan.  Despite the cessation of fighting, the dangers posed by landmine contamination continue.  Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories, because U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there and Azerbaijan restricts access to the region.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.