Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Azerbaijan is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. Located in southwestern Asia along the Caspian Sea (north of Iran and south of Georgia), the climate is classified as dry (semi arid), with cooler temperatures in some high-altitude areas.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
(2019) Malaria risk due exclusively to P. vivax exists from June through October in lowland areas, mainly in the area between the Kura and Arax rivers. There is no malaria transmission in Baku city (the capital city). No locally acquired cases have been reported since 2013.- Recommended prevention in risk areas: A - Very limited risk of malaria transmission. Mosquito bite prevention only.
WHO Country List footnote: When available, the date of the most recent update or confirmation is indicated in parentheses in the country list. If no date is indicated, the most recent update or confirmation was provided before 2013.
CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
High risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, helminths, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, plague, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to military conflict and political instability, UK (FCO) advises avoiding travel to Nagorno-Karabakh Region; Zengilan, Jabrayil, Qubadli, Lachin, and Kalbajar rayons; western areas of Khojavend, Fuzuli, and Aghdam rayons; and within 5 km (3.1 mi) of the border with Armenia. US (DOS), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) have more limited warnings.
Terrorism Risk
Risk of attack by domestic and transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
Low risk of violent crime (armed robbery and assault) and low risk of petty crime exist throughout the country, mainly in crowded places and remote areas.
Scams involving false identity (such as criminals posing as police officers) have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
Armed conflict occurs, a dangerous security environment exists, and landmines and other unexploded ordnance are present in Nagorno-Karabakh Region.
Transportation Safety
Risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 7 to 12 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Airline Safety
The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that the civil aviation authority of this country oversees its air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards.
Natural Disasters
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Azerbaijan
- United States: [+994] 12-488-3300; az.usembassy.gov
- Canada: Canada does not have an embassy or consulate in Azerbaijan.
- United Kingdom: [+994] 12-437-7878; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-baku
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.azembassy.us
- In Canada: ottawa.mfa.gov.az
- In the U.K.: london.mfa.gov.az
- In Australia: canberra.mfa.gov.az
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV and hepatitis testing is required to obtain a work or residence visa.
