Travel Vaccines and Advice for Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan boasts a setting influenced by Asia and Europe. Its variety of landscapes give travelers a feel for both urban and rural life.
Quba is located in the northeastern part of the country. It appeals to all travelers but particularly those attempting a more quaint stay. The city is known for carpet making. But, you will also find Russian, Jewish, and more modern day influences around every corner. Sights in Quba include a History Museum, synagogues, and a castle to explore. Consider journeying to nearby Xinaliq for a hike to stunning views.
Azerbaijan offers an experience hard to find in any other country in the world!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Azerbaijan?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Azerbaijan
Do I Need a Visa for Azerbaijan?
What Is the Climate Like in Azerbaijan?
How Safe Is Azerbaijan?
Yanar Dag in Azerbaijan
What Should I Take to Azerbaijan?
U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan
Do I Need Vaccines for Azerbaijan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Azerbaijan. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Azerbaijan: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Azerbaijan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Azerbaijan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Contagious hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Prevention involves vaccination and practicing good hygiene, particularly when traveling to high-risk areas.
- Rabies – Rabies, a fatal viral illness, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Prevention centers on vaccination, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary after possible exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommended for individuals with increased risk, such as travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Malaria is present in some parts of Azerbaijan. Check with a Passport Health travel specialist to learn if antimalarials are right for your trip.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy In Azerbaijan
Prevent Bug Bites in Azerbaijan
To ward off bug bites, follow CDC advice: wear long clothing, use screens, and remove standing water. Opt for EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE for protection. If bitten, wash the area, avoid scratching, and apply remedies. Seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Azerbaijan
When traveling, prioritize food safety with CDC’s advice: consume fully cooked foods, avoid raw seafood, and pick clean eateries. Opt for bottled drinks, exercise caution with ice, and practice responsible alcohol consumption. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary conditions.
Altitude Sickness in Azerbaijan
Altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms like headache and nausea stemming from oxygen deprivation at high elevations, can be prevented through gradual ascent, hydration, and medication like acetazolamide. Should AMS symptoms arise, immediate descent to lower altitudes, rest and seek medical attention.
Infections To Be Aware Of in Azerbaijan
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a tick-borne disease that can be transmitted between humans through bodily fluids. Preventive strategies comprise tick avoidance, healthcare worker safety measures, and research efforts towards a vaccine to halt its transmission.
- Leishmaniasis – The transmission of leishmaniasis primarily occurs through infected sand fly bites, with other routes of transmission possible. Preventing the disease involves minimizing exposure to sand flies. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious symptoms.
Do I Need a Visa for Azerbaijan?
Travelers require a visa to enter Azerbaijan. If you plan to stay longer than ten days, you are required to check in with the State Migration Service (SMS).
Azerbaijan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Azerbaijan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Azerbaijan and U.S. State Department
Depending on your visa type, there may be health restrictions.
What Is the Climate Like in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has a dry, semi-arid steppe climate. This means it is not as susceptible to rain. The three regions of the country are rather variant. You will find the descriptions below:
- Lowlands – Any area of the country below sea level, which amounts to about 45 percent of Azerbaijan. The spring is an ideal time to visit this area of the country.
- Caspian Sea Region – Where Baku is located and part of the Abseron Peninsula. Visit this area of the country during the fall months or even the winter. Temperatures are milder due to the direction of sea winds.
- Great Caucasus Mountains – Considered the highlands, located in the northern part of Azerbaijan. The best time to visit this region is in the winter for some great skiing and outdoor activities.
How Safe Is Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is an area of low crime. Remain alert in crowded areas and keep belongings close. The most frequently reported crimes are burglary, pick-pocketing, or assault.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has continued in Azerbaijan since the 1980’s. Stay out of any region having to do with this conflict or any demonstration involving it.
Driving is considered highly dangerous in Azerbaijan, especially in Baku. Often times, rules of the road are ignored which makes accidents frequent. Roads are often not lit and unkempt so drivers should remain vigilant. If you do choose to rent a car, routine traffic stops are common. Make sure you have identification with you at all times.
Public transportation is accessible and reasonably priced in Baku. The metro system is easy to navigate, and security is high, resulting in low crime rates within the area. Taxis are also available. Only to use taxis that are properly marked.
Yanar Dag in Azerbaijan
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Right outside of Baku, is Yanar Dag. Here fire dances from the earth thanks to built-up underground natural gas. As time progressed and natural gas was in greater demand, fires around the country started to diminish. Despite this, Yanar Dag remains.
Yanar Dag is about 32 feet in length; the ambiance with the fire is a beautiful sight to behold. Marco Polo was the first explorer to mention these mysterious fires way back in the 13th century. Curiosity led to figuring out the cause of these underground driven marvels.
Journey to Yanar Dig from Baku in about 35 minutes by bus or sign up for a tour exploring the surrounding area!
What Should I Take to Azerbaijan?
Here are recommended items to bring along with you to Azerbaijan:
- Medication and First Aid – It is always better to be prepared. Bring suggested medications by your Passport Health Specialist and a first-aid kit.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Sunscreen should be on your packing list even in the winter months. Look to invest in bug spray that contains at least 20 percent of DEET or more.
- Clothing – Depending on the time of the year, different items of clothing are needed. Nights can also be cold. Do be aware of clothing customs before arriving in Azerbaijan. Prepare accordingly. A good pair of shoes is also suggested for the varying conditions.
U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan
The U.S. State Department recommends signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free program allows the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan to update you if any emergency or risks were to occur within the country.
The U.S. embassy in Azerbaijan provides different types of help to travelers. If U.S. citizens have problems while in Azerbaijan, the embassy can assist with medical emergencies or if someone gets arrested. They also give information about traveling safely in Azerbaijan.
It’s important to check the embassy’s website or contact them directly to learn more about the services they provide.
U.S. Embassy Baku
111 Azadlig Ave
AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan
Phone: 994 12 488-3300
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Azerbaijan
“The nurse was very helpful and knowledgeable of the travel needs for my trip to Azerbaijan”
“I went to the clinic on Wilshire with only 1 week to go before my trip to Azerbaijan and the nurse that I spoke with was extremely helpful with her recommendations on which vaccinations I should get, which ones I was too late on, and what to look out for/avoid while I’m there, as well as remedies for other maladies that may happen while in country. I was also able to get a few vaccinations on the spot. Clinics like this are a great resource, as most doctors’ offices won’t necessarily have the vaccine stocked and ready to go (as this clinic does) and/or also may not know what vaccinations to recommend for the specific country that you’re traveling to. All in all a great resource for all health and travel-related issues, services, and questions!”
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