Azerbaijan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Advisory Issued March 12, 2026

The advisory level was increased to 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

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

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 former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories due to landmines.

Advisory Summary

Armed Conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and a March 5 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

Risks in specific areas
Level 4 – Do not travel

Border with Iran
Do not travel to the southern border region due to risk of armed conflict (unless this is your best overland exit from Iran).

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. U.S. citizens should avoid the southern border area unless this is your best overland exit from Iran.

Border with Armenia
Do not Travel to the border with Armenia due to the risk of landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout this region. Many of them are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.

Exercise a high degree of caution on roads near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border:

• Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice.
• Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

The U.S. government is unable to provide immediate emergency assistance to U.S. citizens because U.S. government employees working in Azerbaijan are prohibited from non-official travel to the border region. 

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Do not travel to the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories due to landmines.

• Following armed hostilities in 2023, the former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories are under the control of Azerbaijan.
• Despite the cessation of fighting, the dangers posed by landmine contamination continue.
• Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout this region. Many of them are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.
• The U.S. government is unable to provide immediate emergency services to U.S. citizens in the former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories because U.S. government employees need approval to travel there.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Azerbaijan.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/azerbajian-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: March 12, 2026