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Country Facts
Capital
Baku
Size
86,600 km²
Time Zone
GMT+4
Population
10,336,577
Currency
Azerbaijani Manat
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, often referred to as the “Land of Fire,” is a fascinating blend of Eastern Europe and Western Asia with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a dynamic culture. It is a country where ancient traditions and modern development coexist harmoniously. From its vibrant capital Baku to the stunning Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan offers an array of experiences for travelers interested in both history and nature.
Reasons to visit Azerbaijan:
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Azerbaijan is a crossroads of civilizations with a mix of Persian, Ottoman, Russian, and Central Asian influences, visible in its architecture, music, and cuisine.
- Stunning Natural Landscapes: From the Caspian Sea coast to the Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan offers diverse landscapes for outdoor lovers.
- Modern & Traditional Blend: Baku’s ultramodern skyline contrasts with its ancient walled city, making it one of the most dynamic and visually striking capitals in the region.
- Unique Experiences: Fire phenomena like Yanar Dag and historical sites such as the Ateshgah Fire Temple offer unique experiences tied to Azerbaijan’s connection with fire.
- Cuisine: Azerbaijani food is a delicious mix of Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Russian influences, with popular dishes like plov (rice pilaf), dolma, and kebabs.
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Top Attractions of Azerbaijan:
- Baku – The capital city is a mix of medieval heritage and modern architecture. Key attractions include:
- Icherisheher (Old City) – A UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleyways, ancient mosques, and the Maiden Tower.
- Flame Towers – Iconic skyscrapers that light up Baku’s skyline at night.
- Heydar Aliyev Center – A futuristic architectural marvel designed by Zaha Hadid.
- Baku Boulevard – A seaside promenade along the Caspian Sea with parks, cafes, and museums.
- Gobustan National Park – Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Gobustan is famous for its prehistoric rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and natural gas formations. It’s a window into ancient civilizations with over 6,000 rock engravings that date back 40,000 years.
- Ateshgah Fire Temple – Located in Surakhani, near Baku, this 17th-century fire temple reflects Azerbaijan’s Zoroastrian heritage. The temple was a place of worship for fire-worshipping communities.
- Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) – A natural gas fire that burns continuously on the hillside, showcasing Azerbaijan’s nickname as the “Land of Fire.”
- Sheki – One of Azerbaijan’s most charming towns, Sheki is famous for its traditional architecture and silk trade. The Sheki Khan’s Palace, with its stunning stained glass windows and intricate designs, is a must-see.
- Caucasus Mountains – The towering Caucasus Mountains in the north provide excellent opportunities for hiking, trekking, and exploring ancient hilltop villages like Lahij and Khinalug.
- Naftalan – A unique spa destination known for its oil baths, believed to have therapeutic properties. Visitors come here to experience this unusual natural treatment.
- Ganja – Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, known for its historical mosques, the Imamzadeh Mausoleum, and the Nizami Ganjavi Museum dedicated to the famous Persian poet.
Preparing For A Trip To Azerbaijan?
Visa Information / Entry requirements to Azerbaijan
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Azerbaijan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Azerbaijan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Azerbaijan.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Azerbaijan as a visitor, your passport must usually have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. See ‘visa requirements’ for more details.
To enter Azerbaijan as a resident, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the expiry date of your temporary or permanent residence permit.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Checks at border control
Anyone who has previously visited areas of Nagorno-Karabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities could be refused entry to Azerbaijan.
Entry via land or sea borders
You can only enter Azerbaijan via air travel without restrictions. Entry via a land or sea border is restricted. Once in Azerbaijan you can exit via air or sea routes. If you want to leave Azerbaijan by road, you need permission from the authorities.
Entering with a vehicle
To enter Azerbaijan with a vehicle, you need to arrange for the vehicle to be shipped to Baku, where you have to arrange for collection at Customs. You need to provide Power of Attorney and pay fees as required.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Azerbaijan.
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Tourism Health Information – Azerbaijan
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Azerbaijan
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Go to TravelHealthPro to see what health risks you’ll face in Azerbaijan.
Altitude sickness is a risk in some parts of Azerbaijan, including the ski resorts of Shahdag and Tufangdag in the Gusar district, Lake Batabat in Nakhchivan, and the Talysh mountains. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare facilities in Azerbaijan
Medical facilities outside Baku are very limited. Carry a comprehensive first aid kit for any trips out of Baku. Even in Baku, serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Turkey or Western Europe. Make sure you have appropriate travel health insurance.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Azerbaijan where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Azerbaijan.
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Weather & When To Go To Azerbaijan
The best time to visit Azerbaijan is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring both urban and rural areas without the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter.
Azerbaijan has a varied climate due to its diverse geography, ranging from the Caspian Sea coast to the Caucasus Mountains. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with climate differences between the lowlands and highlands. Here’s an overview of the weather and the best time to visit:
1. Spring (March to May):
- Weather: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The landscapes are lush and green, especially in the mountain regions.
- Best for: Sightseeing in cities like Baku, Sheki, and Ganja, exploring national parks like Gobustan, and enjoying the blossoming flowers and pleasant weather.
- Why Visit: Spring is one of the best times to visit due to the comfortable temperatures and beautiful landscapes.
2. Summer (June to August):
- Weather: Hot, especially in Baku and the lowlands, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Coastal areas along the Caspian Sea experience humid conditions, while the mountainous regions remain cooler.
- Best for: Beach vacations along the Caspian Sea, exploring cooler mountain areas like Lahij and Khinalug, and enjoying festivals and events.
- Why Visit: Summer is great for coastal activities and hiking in the mountains, though it can be quite hot in Baku.
3. Autumn (September to November):
- Weather: Warm and mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in September and cooler temperatures by November. The fall colors make the landscapes stunning.
- Best for: Sightseeing, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities in cities and mountainous regions.
- Why Visit: Autumn is another excellent time to visit, offering cooler temperatures after the summer heat and vibrant fall foliage, making it ideal for exploring both urban and rural areas.
4. Winter (December to February):
- Weather: Cold, especially in the mountainous regions where snow is common. In Baku, temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), while the mountains experience colder temperatures and snowfall.
- Best for: Winter sports like skiing in the Caucasus Mountains, particularly in areas like Shahdag and Tufandag.
- Why Visit: Winter is perfect for visitors interested in skiing and snowboarding, though Baku can be windy and cold during this time.
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