ABOUT AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan is a country located on the border of Europe and Asia, with the capital Baku. It has a rich history and cultural heritage that includes ancient monuments such as the palace known as Shevchensad, and modern architecture such as the Flame Towers in Baku. The country is also known for its oil and gas wealth. Azerbaijan also has a rich cuisine that combines elements of Turkish, Iranian and Russian cuisine. As for the time zone, Azerbaijan is UTC+4 hours.

Entry into Azerbaijan

Some visitors can travel to Azerbaijan without a visa. Citizens of countries like Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and a few others can stay visa-free for periods ranging from 15 days up to 90 days, depending on the country. Travellers from nations including Turkey, Japan, China, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, usually valid for up to 30 days.

For most other visitors, the simplest way to enter Azerbaijan is with an electronic visa, also known as an e-Visa, through the official ASAN Visa system. The standard e-Visa normally takes three to five working days to process, although many people receive it sooner. The fee is around 20 US dollars, plus a small service charge, and the visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Once approved, the e-Visa is sent by email. You should print it out and carry it with your passport when travelling.

Currency

The national currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). One hundred gepiks (coins) is equal to one manat and manat notes come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. In countries other than Azerbaijan, it is not possible to exchange currency into manats, so visitors must use the currency exchange in the arrivals hall at the airport or withdraw from ATMs around the city.  

Please note that an exchange of 0.6 USD equals one Azerbaijani Manat.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Azerbaijan is 220 V. Electrical equipment and appliances use the standard European 220-240 V two-pin plug.

Health

Tap water in Azerbaijan is not safe to drink, so it is best to use bottled water, which is cheap and widely available in shops, restaurants and hotels. Medical services in Baku are improving, with both public and private clinics, but facilities outside the capital can be more limited. Pharmacies are common in the city, although some medicines may be sold under different brand names than in the UK or Europe. It is therefore a good idea to bring any regular medication with you. Travel insurance that covers medical care and emergencies is strongly recommended for all visitors.

Safety

Baku is generally considered a safe city for visitors, with low levels of violent crime. However, as in any large city, it is wise to take normal precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas late at night. Traffic can be unpredictable, and drivers do not always follow the rules, so take extra care when crossing roads. Political discussions should be avoided in public, as open criticism of the government is not advised. During your stay, following local laws and respecting cultural traditions will help ensure a smooth and safe trip.

Mobile services

The main mobile operators in the country are Azercell, Bakcell and Nar Mobile. These companies offer competitive prices, reliable network coverage and advanced technologies to meet the needs of their customers. They also prioritise customer satisfaction by providing excellent customer service and innovative solutions. With the growing demand for mobile communication services in Azerbaijan, these companies continue to expand their offerings to meet the changing needs of their customers.

If you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

International dialling code: + 994 

Emergency services: 103 

Police: 102

Firefighters: 101

Interesting facts about Azerbaijan

The Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest and most populous country in the Caucasus region. It is situated in southwest Asia and is bounded on the east by the Caspian Sea. The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan declared its independence in 1918 and became the first democratic state in the Muslim world.

Azerbaijan is a unitary state with a semi-presidential political system. The constitution does not define a state religion, but the predominant religion is Shia Islam.

Azerbaijan is located on the imaginary border between Europe and Asia. In Azerbaijan, you will find many picturesque villages and modern cities, age-old traditions and modern customs. The biggest holiday is the celebration of the New Year, Nouruz. During the holiday, music festivals and games are held and people wear traditional clothing and visit and maintain the graves of relatives.

The country is famous for its national cuisine. You will find an abundant selection of fruits, vegetables, aromatic herbs, as well as spices. The most famous dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine are plov, shashlik (a type of kebab), dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and sweet desserts such as pachlava and shakerbura.

Cultural and sporting events are popular here. In sports, the Azeris boast a famous wrestling school. Azerbaijan has also become an official sponsor of the Spanish football club Atlético Madrid. The board game backgammon is extremely popular in Azerbaijan. You may see it played frequently on the streets. Board games have a tradition of at least 4,000 years in the country.