Azerbaijan Travel Risk

Reconsider travel to Azerbaijan due to terrorism, armed conflict, and risk of landmines. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Armed Conflict

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. There was a March 5, 2026, drone strike on Nakhchivan International Airport. Commercial flights have also been seriously disrupted.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Azerbaijan. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and are a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They may target:

• Tourist locations
• Transportation centers (airports)
• Markets and shopping malls
• Local government buildings
• Hotels, clubs and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Parks
• Major sporting and cultural events
• Educational institutionsOther public areas
• Other public areas

Do not travel to:

• The southern border region due to risk of armed conflict (unless this is your best overland exit from Iran).
• The border with Armenia due to risk of landmines.
• The following territories due to landmines: Aghdam, Aghdara, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavend, Lachın, Shusha, and Zangilan

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Azerbaijan-Armenia border

The border with Armenia remains closed. The FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Armenia, due to tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Note that this does not include the border of Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave with Armenia.

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

South-western Azerbaijan (those regions affected by conflict in 2020 and 2023)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to:

• The districts (‘rayons’) of Kelbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Shusha, Khojali, Khankendi, Aghdam and Tartar

You should follow Azerbaijani national government and local authorities’ advice in areas that have not been cleared of mines or unexploded ordnance.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Azerbaijan.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Azerbaijan

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Azerbaijan.

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• hotels, restaurants and pubs
• energy sector facilities
• religious sites and places of worship
• shopping centres and crowded places
• embassies and government buildings
• sporting and cultural events
• transport hubs

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

The political situation in Azerbaijan is generally calm, but demonstrations and opposition rallies can occur.

Avoid large gatherings and any demonstrations. They are illegal and there could be a swift response from the authorities. Monitor the media for information about possible demonstrations and be alert to local and regional developments, which may trigger public disturbances.

If you are a British journalist, make sure you are clearly identifiable.

Armenia-Azerbaijan tensions

Tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have calmed and the risk of further conflict has decreased, including in the areas of those regions affected by conflict in 2020 and 2023. The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to some areas in south-western Azerbaijan due to the risks from mines or unexploded ordnance from former conflict, and advises against all travel within 5km of the border with Armenia. See Regional Risks.

This section has safety advice for regions of Azerbaijan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

South-western Azerbaijan (those regions affected by conflict in 2020 and 2023)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to some areas in south-western Azerbaijan, including districts in and around the region formerly known as “Nagorno-Karabakh” due to the risks from leftover military equipment and weapons from former conflict. This includes:

• the districts (‘rayons’) of Kelbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Shusha, Khojali, Khankendi, Aghdam and Tartar

It is illegal to enter certain areas in south-western Azerbaijan, without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities. Anyone who has previously visited these areas, including the town of Khankendi, without the permission of Azerbaijani authorities could be denied entry to Azerbaijan. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Azerbaijan before you travel.

Whilst tensions have calmed and the risk of further conflict has decreased, there remains a risk of unexploded weapons and landmines in south-western Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani authorities are working to remove unexploded weapons and landmines.

Follow Azerbaijani national government and local authorities’ advice in areas that have not been cleared of mines or unexploded ordnance. If you come across an unexploded weapon or landmine do not approach it or touch it. Make a note of where you saw it and notify the authorities on 102 or 112. Beware of more unexploded weapons or landmines nearby.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

Azerbaijan - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Azerbaijan due to the threat of terrorism.

Regional risks

Districts in the western part of Azerbaijan - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the following districts due to the presence of unexploded ordnance:

• Aghdam
• Fuzuli
• Jabrayil
• Zangilan
• Gubadli
• Lachin
• Khojali
• Shusha
• Khankendi
• Khojavand
• Kalbajar
• Tartar
• Aghdara

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide emergency in-person consular services in these regions is extremely limited.

Border with Armenia - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the area within 1 km of the border with Armenia, which is closed, due to the uncertain security environment.

This advisory excludes the border between Armenia and the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.

Ongoing hostilities in the Middle East

There is ongoing military activity in the region. Missiles, drones and other projectiles could strike targets at any time.

There could be disruptions to air traffic, movement and transportation, including:

• flight cancellations
• airspace closures

The Astara land border crossing between Azerbaijan and Iran is closed. However, the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye, in Ankara, can request special entry authorization for Canadians from the Government of Azerbaijan.

If you assess that this is your safest option, contact the Embassy of Canada in Ankara or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre. You must provide the details appearing on your Canadian passport’s bio page (full name, date of birth, document number) along with a photograph of the passport bio page. You must still apply for a visa from Azerbaijan authorities in advance.

You must have valid travel documents. If you have dual Canadian-Iranian citizenship, Iranian border officials may require you to present your Iranian passport, and if they do, they may prevent you from leaving Iran.

If you are denied departure by Iranian authorities, Canada is unable to communicate with them or intervene on your behalf.

You should:

• be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including any orders to shelter in place
• ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date
• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information, specific to your location, about the ongoing situation.

阿塞拜疆风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在阿塞拜疆中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。