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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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11 MINUTE READ
April 7, 2020

United States Blue Seal

Location:  Baku, Azerbaijan

Virtual Town Hall Meeting for American Citizens

If you missed the virtual town hall for American Citizens last week, you can view the recording on the Embassy’s Facebook page.

Current Situation in Azerbaijan:

On April 5, 2020, the Government of Azerbaijan implemented stricter rules requiring people to stay inside, whether in private homes, apartments, or permanent or temporary residences and to monitor citizen movements. According to the new restrictions, citizens will need to obtain permission by sending a text message in order to leave home for essential trips, including visits to grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, and banks. Individuals must send 1 to leave home for medical care, 2 for trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, bank, or post office, and 3 to attend funerals. Foreigners temporarily staying in Azerbaijan can obtain an identification number from the State Migration Service (SMS) online. Foreigners must then text the number indicating the reason for their departure from home plus either their temporary or permanent residence number (e.g. MYI/DYI 11111111) or the identification number provided online by the SMS to the number 8103. A text granting permission will come within one hour. Individuals are allowed to be away from home for two hours when using code “1”, and one hour when using code “2”.

Police will then verify this information when conducting checks on the street. Fines or jail terms can be imposed for violators of these rules. For assistance to resolve technical difficulties or if you do not receive permission within one hour, call the ASAN Service call center at 9108. Please refer to our website or the full text of the announcement for more information.

As of April 7, 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Republic confirmed 717 cases of COVID-19 within its borders. There have been 8 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.

All Passenger Traffic, including Flights, to and from Azerbaijan Suspended through at least April 20.  The Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Republic has announced all passenger traffic in and out of Azerbaijan will be closed until at least April 20.  This restriction includes the cessation of passenger flights in and out of Azerbaijan.  We will inform U.S. citizens as soon as we have information regarding the resumption of international commercial flights.

Visa extensions for foreigners in Azerbaijan: The State Migration Service recently announced that foreigners “who cannot leave Azerbaijan for obvious reasons” can make a one-time online payment to extend their migration status in Azerbaijan. 30- and 60-day extensions cost 15 AZN and 30 AZN, respectively. The guideline applies to foreigners whose legal stay in Azerbaijan will expire by April 30.  Individuals can make a payment at: https://eservice.migration.gov.az/public/create-mom-applicationThe 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 being placed in a mandatory 14-day quarantine in government-provided facilities, regardless of travel origin.  The quality of basic services in these facilities varies, and may not meet all travelers’ individual needs.  These quarantine measures are subject to change without prior notice.  There are reports of U.S. citizens having to share quarters with strangers and of families being separated in quarantine facilities. 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.

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 or send us 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.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

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

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Alerts, Consul General, U.S. Citizen Services