Security Overview for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan currently has a stable political situation under President Ilham Aliyev and a growing economy fueled by its significant oil wealth. Aliyev, who succeeded his father, Heydar Aliyev, in 2003, has consolidated power through his influential clan-based ties and has proven to be a shrewd leader. He managed to solidify his control in the 2005 parliamentary elections. Aliyev now appears set to remain in office indefinitely, following a 2009 referendum vote that approved constitutional amendments scrapping presidential term limits. The government has consistently managed to keep opposition forces in check, and a concerted attempt by the nation's main opposition organizations to organize mass demonstrations calling for the ouster of Aliyev and his ruling New Azerbaijan Party was a complete failure due to lack of popular support. In the end, the effort served only to underscore how little political capital Azerbaijani oppositionists actually have. Civil unrest is generally not a serious concern outside of election periods.

The main security concern for visitors or expatriates in Azerbaijan is crime, especially petty theft. While in Azerbaijan, be mindful of the potential for pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and other forms of petty theft, especially in crowded shopping or tourist areas. Carry only those items that you need. Keep your identification and travel documents with you and secure at all times. Leave extra money, valuables, and other expensive property safely locked away. Be discreet with cellular phones and other electronic devices and do not carry anything in an outside pocket or bag that could be easily grabbed or picked. Be cautious on all forms of public transportation and use only registered taxis (with blue license plates) if possible. There has been a noticeable drop in police collusion with criminals to carry out scams and soliciting bribes from foreigners as a result of the Aliyev government's ongoing war on corruption. However, the government measures have not eliminated these problems completely. Be aware that some police officers may continue to engage in corrupt activities.

Visitors and expatriates should also be aware of the instability surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh territorial conflict with neighboring Armenia. Following a war over Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories in the early 1990s, the two countries signed a ceasefire in 1994 that is still in effect; however, violent breaches often occur in the conflict area, which is still occupied by Armenia. Although the countries hold regular diplomatic talks on the conflict, often overseen by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Minsk Group, there is no sign that the parties will resolve the conflict soon. Over the years, Azerbaijan has been funneling oil revenues toward an ongoing military build-up and modernization program in a clear long-term strategy to regain the territories by forcing Armenia's hand through military superiority. The Aliyev government claims that current Azerbaijani defense spending alone exceeds Armenia's entire national budget.

If you travel outside Baku, avoid driving at night, as road conditions are unsafe. Avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region and other areas occupied by Armenia. Avoid travel near the Russian and Iranian borders. Take caution if traveling to or near the village of Nardaran, as violent unrest has occurred there. Check with the security personnel at your country's diplomatic mission for their recommendations before traveling to any of these areas.

Although terrorists have been known to operate in Azerbaijan, the threat of terrorism is moderate to low. There have been no attacks recorded in recent years. However, security forces have arrested or deported dozens of persons suspected of having ties with terrorists or plotting to carry out attacks. The threat of kidnapping is also low in Azerbaijan and normally does not affect foreigners.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.