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Travel Advisory Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory Level 2: Last Update: Reissued with updates to the Travel Advisory level, health information and “Do Not Travel” areas. Read More...
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13 MINUTE READ
August 31, 2020

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Current Situation in Azerbaijan

The Government of Azerbaijan’s special quarantine regime remains in effect through September 30, 2020.  The tightened quarantine regime will only remain in effect in Baku, Absheron and Sumqayit districts.  Museums and exhibition halls are authorized to reopen on August 31, 2020.  Public transportation in Baku will remain closed on weekends throughout September, and the Baku Metro will remain closed through September 15, 2020.  Public schools will open in waves on a staggered schedule starting September 15, 2020.

Individuals must maintain social distance and wear masks on public transportation, in commercial facilities, and in a number of other instances or face a fine.  Please refer to the full text of the announcement for more information.

As of August 31, 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Republic confirmed 36,309 cases of COVID-19 within its borders. There have been 531 confirmed deaths. The government has acknowledged that community spread of the virus is occurring and that COVID-19 infections are present in all regions of Azerbaijan.

Passenger Traffic to and from Azerbaijan Remains Restricted.  The Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Republic has announced land traffic in and out of Azerbaijan will remain closed at least through September 30, 2020.   Special, private, and charter flights will continue to operate as noted below.

Limited Flights Available to Istanbul, London, Berlin, Minsk and Dubai

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and Turkish Airlines are offering multiple weekly flights between Baku and Istanbul.  AZAL is offering weekly flights between Baku and London (Thursdays) and Baku and Berlin (Fridays).  Belavia is offering flights to Minsk and FlyDubai is offering flights to Dubai.  Flight reservations should be made directly through the airlines.

A negative COVID-19 test is required for passengers flying to or from Azerbaijan in order to check-in for their flight.  Passengers must undergo a COVID-19 test and receive negative results within 48 hours of departure of their flight.  Please review the announcement from the Cabinet of Ministers in detail before planning your travel.  Be sure to have a paper copy of your test results available for inspection at the airport.  The following labs are accredited by the Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) to offer Covid-19 tests:

  • Bona Dea International Hospital / Inci Laboratories
  • Address: Bulbul Avenue, 40, Baku
  • Contact number: +994 51 229 49 80
  • Home testing available
  • Referans Clinical Laboratory Centre
  • Address: MirzabalaMammadzade Street, Baku
  • Contact number: +994 70 653 00 33
  • Home testing available
  • Memorial Clinic
  • Address: GaraGarayev Avenue, 38a.
  • Contact number: +994 12 520 30 40, Baku
  • Home testing available
  • Center for Control of Particularly Dangerous Infections
  • Caspian International Hospital
    • 31 Badamdar Street, Baku
    • +994 12 502 50 15/16/18
  • UltraLab Center
    • Address: 156C Asif Maharramov
    • Contact Number: +994 12 440 13 00

 

With Limited Exceptions, Only Azerbaijani Citizens Allowed on Flights into Azerbaijan. AZAL recently announced that in addition to Azerbaijani citizens, the following individuals will be permitted to fly to Azerbaijan:

 

  • Heads and staff of foreign embassies and consulates accredited in the Republic of Azerbaijan and their family members;
  • Foreign citizens, one of whose parents, spouse or child is a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
  • Foreign citizens who have a work permit in Azerbaijan;
  • Foreign citizens with a temporary or permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan;
  • Foreign students studying in one of Azerbaijan’s higher education institutions.

 

Visa extensions for foreigners in Azerbaijan: The State Migration Service (SMS) announced that applications of foreigners who have been registered upon place of stay and whose staying period will expire by July 1 are considered to be accepted, and their staying period will be extended for 30 to 60 days, depending on an individuals’ will.  Further, the applications of foreigners whose temporary staying period has already been extended for 30 days and will expire by July 1 are considered to be accepted by the State Migration Service, and the staying period of these persons in the country will be extended for up to 30 days.  Foreigners whose temporary staying period has been extended for up to 60 days is considered legal without the payment of additional state fees until the restrictions on the movement at the border are lifted.  These individuals will be required to leave Azerbaijan shortly after travel restrictions are lifted, or apply for a residency permit if they intend to stay.  Please see this announcement for more information.

The government of Azerbaijan has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions, including additional restrictions on travel inside Azerbaijan, to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

Currently all arrivals to Azerbaijan, including U.S. citizens, are required to complete a 14-day self-quarantine in their own accommodation, regardless of travel origin.

On March 6, 2020, the Department of State allowed for the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members from Azerbaijan.  On August 15, 2020, the Department of State terminated the authorized departure of U.S. government personnel from Azerbaijan.

Effective March 16, 2020, U.S. Embassy Baku suspended routine consular services.  For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information an email at BakuACS@state.gov.

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

In early August, the Department of State issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for COVID-19 and terrorism concerns in Azerbaijan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Azerbaijan.

Actions to Take:

 

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Baku, Azerbaijan
111 Azadlig Avenue
AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan
(994 12) 488 3300
BakuACS@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Baku website 

Alerts, Consul General, U.S. Citizen Services
Baku