Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, or Land of Fires, is famed for its atashgehs (eternal fires), healing mineral springs and oil spas, and carpets.

Situated in the South Caucasus region between Europe and Asia, and bordering the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is important in the area because of its operation of energy projects, and was the first country to explore the region's enormous energy potential. Besides crude oil, which is its number one export, the country is famed for a unique type of oil that is used for medicinal purposes. Naftalan is believed to be an effective treatment for rheumatism, arthritis and psoriasis, and Naftalan town has special treatment centres and spas where patients sit up to their necks in baths of the rare oil. There are also more than 1,000 mineral springs throughout the country.

The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the Caucasus region, and is the country's political, scientific, cultural and economic centre, situated on the Caspian Sea. Baku has been dated to 5,500 years old and visitors can see some wonderfully preserved relics from its past, as well as visit the fire-worshippers temple complex, Atashgah, and the natural gas-fuelled Yanardag (Fire Mountain), one of many impressive eternal fires on the Absheron Peninsula.

Throughout the country there are thousands of historical monuments, ancient cities, fortresses, palaces, mosques and ancient oases. Most of its territory is mountainous and dotted with beautiful lakes, and there are numerous resorts situated along the sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea.

The Republic of Azerbaijan gained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 at the same time as Armenia, and there is ongoing conflict between the two countries over the small Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, which is officially part of Azerbaijan, but largely populated by Armenians.

Climate

Nine out of 11 existing climate zones are present in Azerbaijan, although most of the country is dry semiarid steppe. Generally summers are hot and winters mild and wet, with snow in the mountains. Average temperatures range from 41°F (5°C) in the mountainous regions to 81°F (27°C) in the lowlands in summer, and 14°F (-10°C) to 37°F (3°C) in winter. The best time to travel for warm and dry weather is between April and October, but mountainous areas are best visited in the summer months of July and August. Baku in the summer is very hot and humid.

Money

The official currency is the new Manat (AZN), which is divided into 100 qapik. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of large hotels and restaurants in Baku, and travellers cheques are not easily accepted; travellers are therefore advised to carry cash, preferably in Euro, Sterling or US dollars. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and official exchange bureaux, but visitors are advised to keep all receipts until departure from Azerbaijan. ATMs can be found in most major cities and towns.

Passport Visa

Visas are only available on arrival if the passport holder also has an official invitation letter from Azerbaijan. Visas are only valid for the cities listed in the visa.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
• UK nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
• Canadians require a valid passport and a visa.
• Australians require a valid passport and a visa.
• South Africans require a valid passport and a visa.
• Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
• New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa.

Health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Azerbaijan, but travellers should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date. There is a malaria risk between June and November in the lowland areas. Bird flu has been reported, but there is little risk to travellers; as a precaution it is advised that close contact with domestic and wild birds be avoided, and all egg and poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked. Most health facilities are state-owned and equipment and staff fall short of Western standards. Outside of the capital, medical care and supplies may be difficult to come by and serious medical problems will require air evacuation to another country; comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Embassy Consulates

• Azerbaijan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 337 3500.
• Azerbaijan Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7938 5482/3412.
• Azerbaijan Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 288 0497.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Baku: +994 (12) 498 0335/6/7.
• British Embassy, Baku: +994 (12) 497 5188/89/90.
• Canadian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 409 2700.
• Australian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 459 9500.
• South African Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 405 6861.
• Irish Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 446 6172.