Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Azerbaijan depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for AzerbaijanEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
Currency
- Name
- Azerbaijani Manat
- Code
- AZN
- Symbol
- ₼
ATMs in Baku. Cards accepted in Baku hotels and restaurants; carry cash outside the capital. USD can be exchanged at banks.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
AZT (UTC+4) — AZST (UTC+5) in summer
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
April–May and September–October are perfect — comfortable temperatures for Baku, Gobustan, and Sheki. June–August is very hot in Baku. Winter can be grey and cold. The mud volcanoes at Gobustan are dramatic year-round.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Service charge not usually included |
| Taxis | Round up | Bolt and Uber work in Baku |
| Hotels | AZN 2–5 for porters | — |
| Guides | $10–15 USD per day | — |
Dress Code
- Smart casual in Baku — Azerbaijanis dress well and the city is cosmopolitan
- Modest dress in mosques — cover shoulders and knees; women cover hair and remove shoes
- More conservative in rural areas
Social Etiquette
- Azerbaijan is a secular Muslim-majority country — alcohol is widely available in Baku
- Tea (çay) with jam is always offered to guests — always accept
- Baku has transformed dramatically since oil revenue — the Flame Towers and Haydar Aliyev Center are spectacular architectural statements
- The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is sensitive — most Azerbaijanis feel strongly about it; approach with care
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ activity is illegal and arrests have occurred
- Criticism of the government or President Aliyev is illegal — social media is monitored
- Photography of military, police, government buildings, and metro stations is restricted
- Journalists and activists face significant legal risk — exercise caution
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Azerbaijani) | Salam | sah-LAHM |
| Thank you (Azerbaijani) | Çox sağ ol | chokh SAH-ol |
| Please (Azerbaijani) | Zəhmət olmasa | zeh-MEHT ol-MAH-sah |
| Cheers! (Azerbaijani) | Sağlığına! | sah-LIH-ih-nah |
| How much? (Azerbaijani) | Nə qədər? | neh GEH-der |
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