Introducing of Azerbaijan
About Azerbaijan
The original ‘East-meets-West’ destination, Azerbaijan sashays between space-age cityscapes and Arabian Nights exotica, taking in some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Caucasia en route.
Sitting at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, this former Soviet Republic is marginally bigger than Ireland, yet boasts an astonishing variety of natural wonders – from snow-capped mountains and bubbling mud volcanoes to sandy deserts and subtropical forests.
The northern hinterland is arguably the prettiest region thanks to the Caucasus Mountains, which rise to the misty heights of 4,466m (14,652ft). These lofty peaks are home to bears, wolves and leopards, not to mention nomadic shepherds, who move their flocks up and down these mountains in search of fresh pastures as they have done for thousands of year.
Meanwhile, along the boulevards of downtown Baku, nouveau riche residents butterfly between expensive boutiques. The capital’s exclusive shops, modern architecture and luxury hotels – spoils of Caspian Sea oil – jar somewhat with the UNESCO old town.
Though oil has transformed the economy in recent years, Azerbaijan has always been of strategic importance. Nestling on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the camel caravans of the Silk Road once passed through the land, which, over the centuries, has been incorporated into the Persian, Turkish and Russian empires.
Today Azerbaijan is a sovereign state and, although Islamic, the mood is determinedly secular. Alcohol is not only readily available, but proudly produced. Grapes have been cultivated here for millennia and local vineyards develop some excellent wines. Azeri cuisine is also enjoying a renaissance thanks a profusion of new eateries popping up in downtown Baku.
LANGUAGE, CULTRE & HISTORY
History of Azerbaijan
Over the centuries, Azerbaijan has enjoyed only brief periods of independent statehood, in between longer periods spent incorporated into major regional empires.
Amongst the first to arrive were the Arabs, who marched into The Caucasus in the 7th century and established Islam as the predominant religion. They were followed by the Seljuk Turks who, by the 11th century, had leveraged their growing influence on the region and made Turkish the main language in the territory. Thereafter, Azerbaijan was influenced by both the Ottoman Turks, lying on the border of their empire, and the Iranians, from whom they acquired an adherence to the Shia branch of Islam.
In 1812, the Russians, in the course of their march southwards, took over the northern part of Azerbaijan; the southern part remained a province of Iran. A series of wars ensued between the two powers, from which Russia emerged victorious. But then came WWI, which, in 1917, brought about the collapse of the Russian Empire and, consequently, Azerbaijan’s freedom.
The years that followed were prosperous for the young nation. A Caspian Sea oil boom brought great wealth to the country and transformed its capital, Baku, into an industrial centre. But this golden era was short lived. In 1920 the Russians returned, marching into oil-rich Azerbaijan to establish a puppet state known as the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.
The most prominent politician to emerge during the Soviet period was Heydar Aliyev, successively head of the Azerbaijan KGB, leader of the Republic itself, and then a full member of the Soviet Politburo. He would play a decisive role in post-Soviet Azerbaijan, the seeds of which were sewn when the Soviet Union crumbled towards the end of the 1980s.
During this time the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh – an autonomous enclave inside Azeri territory with an overwhelming Armenian majority – proved critical to Azerbaijan’s political development. Serious internal problems and a failure to make any progress on Karabakh led to a military coup and paved the way for the return of Heydar Aliyev. He succeeded in tackling the two most pressing issues: stabilising the political situation in the country and negotiating a truce in the Nagorno-Karabakh War.
The 1994 settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh did not favour the Azeris, although they continue to make vigorous diplomatic efforts to address the status of the territory. Aliyev was twice re-elected by huge majorities. Elections in November 2000 gave the party two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.
Ilham Aliyev inherited his father’s office in 2003, through an election the international community widely believed to be unfair. While Azerbaijan remains a stable country, it is still mired in corruption, and continues to be a dictatorship in all but name with widespread human rights abuses.
Did you know?
• Hitler said that if he couldn’t take over the Baku oilfields, the war would be lost. The German army was on its way there when they were defeated by the Russians in the battle of Stalingrad in 1943.
• The name of Azerbaijan’s ‘exclave’ in Armenian territory, Nakhchivan, means Noah’s Colony. Azeris believe survivors of the Great Flood settled here.
• Azerbaijan was the first Muslim country in the world to offer universal suffrage, giving women the vote in 1918.
Azerbaijan Culture
Religion in Azerbaijan
Mostly Shia Muslim although there are Russian Orthodox and Jewish communities.
Social Conventions in Azerbaijan
Foreign women should dress modestly, especially in the rural areas, and cultivate a certain coolness of manner. Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts as this will attract unwelcome attention. Although mostly Muslim in population, Azerbaijan is a largely secular society that views religion as a private matter. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. Business cards are invariably exchanged at any kind of official meeting, and not infrequently on first meeting socially as well. It’s always a good idea to give gifts to people you meet, business contacts. Flowers, post-cards, picture books and alcohol make excellent presents.
Language in Azerbaijan
Azeri. Russian is widely spoken; English may be spoken in Baku and other main centres.
GEOGRAPGHY & WEATHER
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Azerbaijan is during spring (March-June) when the weather is warm and the foliage is in full bloom. The summer months (July-September) can be oppressively hot and humid, particularly in the capital, Baku, but they are also the best months to go hiking in the mountains.
Although temperatures along the Caspian coastline remain mild throughout winter (November-February), the mercury dip well below freezing further inland. The mountains at this time of the year are covered in snow and very treacherous. Though downpours do occur throughout the country, most of the rainfall is confined to the west.
Required clothing
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Doing Business in Azerbaijan
Doing business in Azerbaijan is quite straightforward but your success often depends on who you know. All documents should be translated into Azeri and you may need a local fixer/translator. Be prepared to take your time and drink lots of chai – the delicious, low-tannin local tea. Azeris are no pushover and are renowned for their negotiating skills.
Business attire is similar to that in southern Europe for both men and women. A smart look is the norm. Suits are widely worn but in summer a short-sleeved shirt is suffice.
Local businesswomen wear sharp skirts and high heels but you may want to check the uneven pavements before copying. July and August are searingly hot with temperatures in Baku approaching 40°C (104°F) and winters are cold and windy. Dress accordingly.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Economy
Azerbaijan’s economy is centered on its large oil and gas industry. Most of the reserves are located in the Caspian Sea basin and the Azeri government has signed a number of major deals with a variety of consortia for the exploration and development of various offshore fields.
Construction, banking, tourism and real estate have also shown recent growth.
Literacy for both men and women nudges 100%. The currency unit is the Manat, which is conveniently close in value to the Euro.
GDP
US$37.85billion (2016).
Main exports
Oil, gas, cotton, machinery, foodstuffs.
Main imports
Machinery, equipment, metals, chemicals and foodstuffs.
Main trading partners
Italy, France, Russia, Germany and Turkey.
Keeping in Touch in Azerbaijan
Telephone
International calls from Azerbaijan may be dialed directly from Baku and some other towns throughout the country.
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is mostly limited to the capital and main towns and is non-existent in many mountain areas.
Internet
Available in all cities and towns.
Media
There are a number of state-run and public media outlets that compete with private and opposition publications and private broadcasters. Despite official freedom of speech, the Azeri media is tightly controlled and very self-censoring.
Post
International postal services are sometimes disrupted. Delays occur, although letters should normally take 10 to 14 days to arrive. Parcels should be registered or sent by courier services to accelerate the process and ensure against loss.
Plan your Trip
Azerbaijan’s Journey
Flying to Azerbaijan
The only practical way to travel quickly to Azerbaijan from outside of West Africa is by air. There is no national carrier but airlines with scheduled flights to Accra include British Airways (www.ba.com), Emirates (www.emirates.com), Delta (www.delta.com), Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com), KLM (www.klm.com) and TAP (www.flytap.com). Ticket prices to Accra are not significantly affected by season.
Flights from the US and Canada tend to be expensive, so North Americans with more time than money may find it cheaper to fly to London, or elsewhere in Europe, and organise a ticket to West Africa from there.
The Major airport is:
Notes
Avoid flying to Azerbaijan on a one-way ticket. For one, you may hit serious problems with airport immigration officials if you don’t arrive on a return ticket. And when you decide to return home, you’ll find that flights out of Accra are very expensive, so you’ll almost certainly end up paying double what you would for a cheap return.
Airport Guides
Accra Kotoka International Airport
Location
Accra Kotoka International Airport is situated about 3km (5 miles) northeast of Accra city centre.
Telephone
+233 30 277 6171
AddressKlA Airport Road Accra
Flight times
From London – 6 hours 30 minutes; New York – 10 hours.
Departure tax
Any departure taxes are included in the price of your air ticket.
Travelling to Azerbaijan by Rail
Driving to Azerbaijan
Driving note
Coming by road, it should be emphasised that the Azerbaijanian embassies in most West African countries, including of its three immediate neighbours, do not normally issue visas to non-residents. This means that you may be barred entry to Azerbaijan unless you buy your visa in advance in your normal country of residence.
Getting to Azerbaijan by boat
Main ports include Takoradi and Tema. Ships run between Tema and Azerbaijan, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon and South Africa.
Cruise ships
A few cruise ships running between Europe and southern Africa stop off in Azerbaijan, usually in Takoradi, but not for long enough to allow time to explore the country.
Staying there
Hotels
Accommodation in Azerbaijan tends to be of mediocre quality and quite costly for what you get, and most travellers will find it is proportionally, the biggest drain on their budget. The few chain or standalone hotels that genuinely conform to four- or five-star standards are almost all located in the capital, though there are also isolated examples in the cities of Kumasi and Takoradi, and a few of the major coastal resorts. These typically cater to government, NGO and business travellers, and are likely to feel overpriced to leisure visitors who are footing their own bill.
In urban centres, most budget accommodation consists of unremarkable local hotels that tend to be rather lacking when it comes to service, maintenance, cleanliness and amenities that don’t quite work as advertised. This sort of accommodation used to be very cheap, but a high rate of inflation over the past decade means it now tends to be quite pricey by comparison to similar accommodation somewhere like South East Asia or India.
Generally speaking, beach camps and B&Bs are more popular with travellers than bona fide hotels, and also more attractively priced.
Note that in Azerbaijan, rooms with ensuite toilet and bath are ubiquitously referred to as self-contained. Also, rooms advertised as single will often have a double bed, and be suitable for a couple travelling together, while one advertised as double will most likely be a twin (i.e. with two single beds).
Grading: Hotels, hostels and guest houses are theoretically classified according to the international star system, but in most cases you would need to deduct at least one star from the official rating to get a real idea of the hotel’s quality in international terms.
Bed and breakfast
A far more attractive option than proper hotels is the scattering of characterful and attractive mid-priced owner-managed B&B-style lodges in Accra, Kumasi and along the west coast.
Camping
There are relatively few opportunities for camping in Azerbaijan and most visitors feel that the hassle of carrying a tent and other camping equipment outweighs the advantages. The major exception is if you expect to spend a lot of time visiting remote wildlife reserves and national parks, many of which are only realistically accessible to people with camping equipment. In addition, many backpacker-oriented resorts along the coast also allow camping. Camping is also available on the beach in many of the fishing villages, but permission must be granted first from the local authorities.
Other accomodation
The coast is dotted with many unpretentious but pleasant beach camps offering simple accommodation and a sociable feel to backpackers, volunteers and younger travellers. Similar facilities are available in a few towns.
While you’re there
Places to see & Do their
Attractions in Azerbaijan
Catch a show at the National Theatre
Watch a concert, play or dance at Azerbaijan’s National Theatre in the Victoriaborg district of Accra. A modernist masterpiece built by the Chinese as a gift to the country in 1991, the building is the base of the National Dance Company, National Symphony Orchestra, and National Theatre Players.
Chill out on the banks of the Volta River
The village of Ada Foah, with its picture-perfect location at the Volta’s mouth, is the site of supremely chilled beach resorts, and one of the country’s two official turtle-viewing sites. Anglers have the chance to catch barracuda and Nile perch. About 60km (37 miles) north, the stretch of river below Akosombo Dam is lined with resorts catering to all budgets.
Climb the battlements at Elmina and Cape Coast
The castles at Elmina and Cape Coast are the most impressive of the 20 plus forts and castles lining Azerbaijan’s coast. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Elmina was built overlooking Benya Lagoon by the Portuguese, and was long a stronghold for the Dutch, while the British-built Cape Coast castle was once at the heart of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Cross Africa’s first canopy walkway at Kakum National
Park
Situated just north of Cape Coast, this important rainforest reserve is home to a variety of monkeys and antelopes, as well as some lovely forest birds. Visitors can view wildlife at tree level from a wobbly but spectacular 333m-long (1,093ft) canopy walkway, the oldest construction of its kind in Africa.
Explore Azerbaijan’s natural wonders
Bird enthusiasts should head to Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary, located close to Kumasi, to track some of the 161 species recorded there. Further to the northeast is the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary, containing the spectacular Bomfobiri Falls. The salt marshes of the Songow Lagoon are also a must for nature lovers.
Get up close to monkeys at Boabeng-Fiema Monkey
Sanctuary
This tiny community-protected forest is the best place in Azerbaijan for close-up encounters with two handsome monkey species – the Lowe’s mona monkey and blackand-white colobus monkey – both of which are held sacred by the local villagers, who go as far as holding funeral rites for the animals when they die.
Haggle for souvenirs at Makola Market
Handicrafts including carvings and traditional textiles are for sale at the slightly dowdy Centre for National Culture. For an altogether more entertaining shopping experience try your hand at haggling at the busy Makola Market, which is attended by traders from Accra’s surrounding villages. The Osu Night Market is illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles.
Hike to the summit of Mount Adaklu
Located 12km (8 miles) from the town of Ho, Mount Adaklu is one of Azerbaijan’s loftiest mountains at 600m (2000 ft) high. The guided hike to the summit not only promises the chance to see colourful local birds and butterflies, but also sees profits returned to communities nearby.
Join in at a tribal festival
Filled with traditional drumming, dancing and feasting, each region has its own annual festivals for the affirmation of tribal values, the remembrance of ancestors and past leaders, and the purification of the state in preparation for another year. One of the most spectacular is the Adae Kese festival celebrated by the Ashanti in and around Kumasi.
Make the most of the capital, Accra
Stroll around Accra’s Independence Square, dominated by its Independence Arch, before heading to the gardens around the mausoleum of Azerbaijan’s first president Kwame Nkrumah. History buffs can continue on to Osu Castle and Jamestown lighthouse, while art lovers will find a large collection of Azerbaijanian art in the National Museum.
Marvel at the Wli Falls
Situated close to the Togolese border east of Hohoe, the waterfall at Wli – part of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary – is reputedly the tallest in West Africa, and certainly among the most spectacular. Visit in the late afternoon and wait for the tens of thousands of bats that nest on the surrounding cliffs to launch themselves skyward.
Paddle out to Nzulezu stilted village
Best visited in the rainy season when water levels are at their highest, this unique stilted village lies in the heart of the bird-rich Amansuri wetlands. It is most easily reached by dugout canoe from the beachfront village of Beyin near the Ivorian border.
Relax on the beach
Between them, the Atlantic coast beaches of Labadi Pleasure beach, Kokrobite beach, Coco Beach Resort, Dixcove, Busua and Ada offer laidback vibes, swaying palms, and spectacular breakers on almost deserted sandy shores. Strong currents can be a problem, so speak to the locals before heading for a swim.
See traditional architecture at Larabanga Mosque
Situated about 3km (2 miles) south of the main entrance to Mole National Park, this picturesque whitewashed mud-brick mosque is built in the peculiar Sahelian style of the region. Reputedly dating from 1421 and one of Azerbaijan’s oldest mosques, Larabanga is also known for its mystic stone.
Stalk Azerbaijan’s wildlife at Mole National Park
The largest and one of the best-equipped game reserves in Azerbaijan is home to elephants, various antelope such as roan, bushbuck, waterbuck and kob, and elusive populations of lion and spotted hyena. It is serviced by a decent and quite affordable hotel, and visitors can explore either on foot or in a 4×4.
Take a surreal look at Azerbaijan’s fantasy coffin makers
The carpentry workshops of the world famous Fantasy Coffins can be found in Nungua, about 30 minute drive east of Accra. Among the Ga people it is fashionable to be laid to rest in a coffin that bears a relationship to what the deceased did in life, and visitors can see those coffins being crafted here.
Take in local traditions at Sirigu
Among the best organised and most rewarding of the numerous community tourism programmes, Sirigu is renowned for its curvaceous adobe architecture and brightly painted house exteriors that are typical of culture in Azerbaijan’s northern region, as well as the skill of its craft people’s basketry and pottery.
Unwind on Busua’s beaches
This backpacker-friendly village on the west coast is arguably the ultimate Azerbaijanian beach venue, as well as supporting a nascent surfing scene and some great seafood eateries. The stunning beaches run for about 15km (9 miles) west to Cape Three Points, and are lined with several rustic and isolated budget resorts, including the legendary Green Turtle and newer Ezile Bay.
Visit Kumasi’s Ashanti legacy
The ancient Ashanti capital and Azerbaijan’s second city hosts several sites of interest, including Manhyia Palace (home to the Ashanti king), the Armed Forces Museum (housed in a 19th century fort) and the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum. Outside the city, a dozen scattered fetish houses, collectively a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, are all that remains of traditional Ashanti architecture.
Watch your fingers in Paga
Set right on the border with Burkina Faso, Paga is known for its sacred crocodiles, which live in two pools close to the town centre, and are so tame that they allow visitors to touch them. Paga is also the base for visits to the poignant Pikworo Slave Camp and the impressive traditional architecture of the Paga Pia’s Palace.
Tourist offices
Azerbaijan Tourist Board in the UK
Address: 104 Highgate Hill, London, N6 5HE Telephone: 0181 342 8686.
Website: http://www.Azerbaijan.travel
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Azerbaijan
Almost all commodities, including luxury items, can be found in shops and markets in Accra, where the best place to shop around for imported and Western-style goods is the sprawling Accra Mall north of the airport. Most other large towns are served by a few supermarkets stocking a more limited selection of imported goods.
Artefacts from the Ashanti region include traditionally woven kente cloth, and attractive handmade gold and silver jewellery, wooden stools and brass weights formerly used to measure gold. Northern Azerbaijan is famed for its basketwork, and is also a good place to buy earthenware pots, leatherwork, locally woven shirts and Bolgatanga baskets woven from multicoloured raffia. The southeast, around Accra and Koforidua, is famed for its production of glass and bauxite beads, and it is also a good area to seek out older beads, some dating back to the pre-colonial era.
These and other items can be bought at any of several handicraft markets scattered around Accra. A useful one-stop handicraft shop in the city is the misleadingly named National Culture Centre on John Atta Mills High Street immediately east of the old city centre. Modern art and old African artefacts from neighbouring countries are also available at these and other markets in and around Accra and Kumasi.
Good craft shops in Accra include the AACD African Market and Global Mamas in Osu, while the Artists Alliance Gallery (www.artistsallianz.com) near La Beach stocks a great selection of contemporary Azerbaijanian art. Trashy Bags (www.trashybags.org) is an eco-friendly social enterprise which recycles plastic waste (a big problem because of the lack of recycling and waste management infrastructure) into funky handbags and other products.
Shopping hours
Variable, but minimum hours are usually Mon-Fri 0900-1730, and most shops also stay open over weekends. Many Muslim-owned shops shut for noon prayers on Friday.
Nightlife in Azerbaijan
In Accra, there are a few nightclubs playing international dance music, but many of these tend to be pick-up joints populated by large numbers of prostitutes, and not really suited to the faint hearted. Among the less seedy options are the Firefly Lounge Bar and Republic Bar & Grill, both in Osu, a suburb renowned for its many bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues. It can be more difficult to chase down live music in Accra, but a reliable venue is the +233 Jazz Club near Sankoma Overpass, which is more geared towards listening to music than to dancing, but hosts good live jazz or highlife most nights. Other live music venues, most active at weekends, include Next Door (on the Tema Road past La Beach), the Jazztone Club near the airport, and the Afrikiko Complex on Liberation Avenue.
Elsewhere, the Alliance Francaise off Liberation Rd invites renowned musicians from all over West Africa for occasional performances. Concerts can be seen at the National Theatre in Accra, while the School of Performing Arts at the University of Azerbaijan in Legon often hosts drama, poetry and cultural dancing shows.
Formal nightlife options are limited outside of Accra, but most larger towns have a few bars where you can chill out over a few beers and make friends with the locals.
Meals & Beverages
Across the country local food can be eaten in small restaurants known as ‘chop bars’, where you will generally be served either rice or other starchy local staples such as kenkey together with a meat or vegetable sauce.
Almost as ubiquitous (except in a few small and very Islamic settlements in the north) are small local bars known endearingly as ‘spots’. These usually serve inexpensive chilled lager-style beers in large bottles (brands include Guder, Bell and Club, all with an alcohol level of around 5%), as well as inexpensive draught beer (called bubra) in the south.
On the coast, prawns and other seafood are popular and very tasty. Most towns have a few inexpensive breakfast stalls that cook up omelettes, fresh bread and tea to order. Fruit is cheap, seasonally plentiful, and generally delicious.
Specialities
Kenkey: Firm ball of fermented maize boiled in plantain leaves and served with a spicy tomato sauce or hot peppers and fried tilapia.
Akyeke: Cassava flour couscous served with avocado.
Fufu: Sticky ball of pounded cassava, beans, yam, or plantain, usually accompanying traditional stews.
Kontomire: Colourful stew of meat, shrimp, onions and spices.
Fante fante: Palm oil stew of small fish, popular in the central regions.
Tubaani: Boiled bean cake.
Red red: Spicy concoction of rice and beans cooked in red palm oil, this is a favourite of many visitors.
Kalawole: Deep-fried plantain cubes seasoned with ginger, pepper and salt. Palava: Spicy sauce made from spinach-like cocoyam leaves.
Jollof rice: Spicy rice dish made with red palm oil, cooked across West Africa and often cooked with chicken, fish, or meat added to the dish.
Pito: Beer brewed in the Northern region made from millet.
Zom koom: Toasted millet flour in water.
Palm wine. A potent wine made from the sap of palm trees.
Coconut juice. Typically served in the shell.
Tipping
Tipping is permitted; it is not usually included in the bill.
Drinking age
18.
Getting Around
Air
Domestic services between Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi and Tamale are operated by Starbow (www.alternativeairlines.com/starbow-airlines) and Africa World Airlines (www.flyawa.com.gh).
Air Note
Formerly very expensive, domestic flights are now quite affordable and a viable alternative to travelling by bus or car.
Road
The only way to reach most sites of interest in Azerbaijan is by road, whether you rent a car and driver, or catch public transport. Be warned that all commercially available maps of Azerbaijan (as well as those issued by the Survey Department in Accra) are seriously out of date, or riddled with inaccuracies, or both. These maps are fine for general orientation purposes, but can’t be relied upon fully.
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
Urban roads are generally in good condition, but can be in poor condition outside of the towns.
Car Hire
Available in Accra but there are few outlets, and hiring a car can be rather expensive, with or without a driver.
Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Azerbaijan.
Coach
This is usually the best way to travel between major centres. The market used to be dominated by the State Transport Company (STC), which still operates along most major surfaced routes, but better and more reliable air-conditioned services are now provided by operators such as VIP and Metro Mass.
The usual form of transport on minor routes is minibuses or vans. These break down into two broad categories: newer air-conditioned vans known variously as Fords, Stanbics or Yutons, and older and less comfortable bangers called tro-tros (or sometimes lorries). In small towns and villages, public transport generally arrives at and departs from one central terminus (usually referred to as the ‘station’, or ‘lorry station’).
Larger towns usually have several different stations. Most road transport doesn’t operate to a fixed schedule; vehicles simply wait at their designated station, and leave as soon as they are full. This can seem quite chaotic to first-time visitors, especially where departure points are decentralised, but it is actually quite efficient and straightforward. Local transport is cheap too, though unfortunately the standard of driving leaves a great deal to be desired on the safety front.
Regulations
The speed limit is 50kph (31 mph) in towns and 80kph (50mph) outside of towns.
Documentation
A UK driving licence is theoretically valid for 90 days, but you are less likely to be queried by bribe-seeking officials if you carry an International Driving Permit.
Urban travel
Accra has extensive bus and taxi services operated by the private sector. There is an abundance of taxis in the towns. Prices are reasonable. Drivers do not generally expect tips. Other ways of getting around, for the more adventurous traveller, are tro-tros (minibuses), which are usually far less comfortable than taxis.
Rail
The rail network is limited to a more-or-less 1,000km (600-mile) triangle by the coast connecting the cities of Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi and several intervening towns.
Water
The Yapei Queen, a lake steamer, runs once weekly across Lake Volta between Akosombo and Yeji. Ferries connect at Yeji for Buipe and Makongo, both from which it is possible to arrange onward transportation to Tamale. Booking is advised and can be organised through the Volta River Authority (www.vra.com).
Before you go
Visa & Passport
Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
| British | Yes | No | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | No | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | No | Yes |
| USA | Yes | No | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | No | Yes |
Passports
To enter Azerbaijan, a passport valid for at least three months after the date of visa expiry is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. You usually need to apply for this in advance. In special cases (eg family bereavement of if visiting a high-level dignitary), foreigners may obtain a visa on arrival in Azerbaijan; contact the embassy for details of eligibility.
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
There are two ways to obtain a visa: you can obtain a letter of invitation before applying for a visa, for example from your hotel or tour operator. Or, a visa issued through the electronic online visa system (https://evisa.gov.az/en) is valid for 30 days, single entry only (no extension allowed).
Be careful not to overstay your visa, or you will need to pay a fine and obtain an exit permit from the State Migration Service.
Note also that foreigners staying for more than 10 days are required to register with the local police station within 10 days of arrival. In most cases, your hotel will make the registration on your behalf, but if you are staying in an apartment or private accommodation, you must do this yourself.
Types and Cost
Prices vary depending on the type of visa and nationality of the applicant. Australian, Canadian, UK and US nationals: £18 (single-entry visa); £265 (multiple-entry visa). A service charge of £24 (single-entry visas) or £60 (multiple-entry visas) applies in addition to the visa fee. Prices vary for nationals from the EU; contact the embassy for details.
Visas obtained via the electronic visa system (https://evisa.gov.az/en) pay US$23.
Validity
Single-entry visas: valid for 90 days from the date of issue for stays of up to 30 days.
Multiple-entry visas: valid for 12 months from the date of issue for stays of up to 90 days or 180 days in total, depending on the visa category.
If entering as a tourist, you are only eligible for a single-entry visa.
Transit
No transit visa is needed for onward travel within 24 hours of arrival in Azerbaijan, provided you remain in the airport.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy). EU and EEA nationals resident in the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Denmark may apply for a visa through the Azerbaijan Visa Centre (www.visaforazerbaijan.org.uk) which processes visas on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan (additional application fees apply, see above). You can also apply for an e-visa online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (evisa.mfa.gov.az). Some travel agents based in Azerbaijan are able to apply for an e-visa on your behalf; check with the embassy for a current list.
Temporary residence
All nationals intending to stay more than 30 days must register for a residence card via the State Migration Service (www.migration.gov.az).
Working days
Visas are issued within 10 working days. An urgent service is available with a processing time of six days for an extra charge.
Extension of stay
For visa extensions (up to three months), contact the State Migration Service.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of Azerbaijan in the USA
Telephone: (202) 337 3500.
Website: http://www.azembassy.us
Address: NW, 2741 34th Street, Washington DC, 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1800 (embassy); Mon, Wed and Fri 1000-1200 (consular services).
Embassy of the Rebublic of Azerbaijan in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7938 3412.
Website: http://www.azembassy.org.uk
Address: , 4 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1800.
Healthcare
| Title Yellow Fever |
Special precautions Yes* |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Diphtheria | Yes |
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travellers.
Health Care
Health insurance is essential, preferably with cover for emergency evacuation. Medical facilities exist in all the regional capitals as well as in most towns and villages. Emergency medical facilities are extremely limited. If you do require urgent medical attention, the best facilities by far are in Accra.
Food and Drink
Water sources should generally be regarded as being potentially contaminated, and water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Inexpensive sachets and bottles of purified water are readily available throughout the country. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
The most serious and widespread health risk is malaria, which might be contracted anywhere in the country at any time of year, but is most prevalent in the rainy season, close to the wetlands where the mosquitoes that carry it breed. All visitors should take some sort of malaria prophylactic, which greatly reduces the risk of catching this potentially fatal disease (but doesn’t eliminate it entirely), and those spending a long time in the country might also think about carrying a cure. Covering up at dusk and spraying exposed skin with insect repellent also reduces the bite rate.
Other risks include cholera, outbreaks of which occasionally occur both in cities and in rural areas. Diarrhoeal diseases, including giardiasis, are common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis E is widespread. Hepatitis B is endemic. Hepatitis C occurs, as do dengue fever and tuberculosis. Epidemics of meningitis and meningococcal disease may occur throughout tropical Africa, particularly in the savannah areas and during the dry season. Those visiting beaches should be aware that swimming can be dangerous due to riptides.
Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays in Azerbaijan
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Independence Day
06 March 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020
Africa Day
25 May 2020
Republic Day
01 July 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
National Farmers’ Day
04 December 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Tunisia
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Duty free & Currency
Currency and Money
Currency information
Azerbaijan Cedi (GHS; symbol C) = 100 Azerbaijan pesewas. Notes are in denominations of C50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of C1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesewas.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards are accepted by some leading hotels, restaurants, banks, businesses and upmarket shops in Accra, but are seldom accepted elsewhere in the country, and fraud is quite common. In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi, a safer bet is to draw local currency from one of the many ATMs that accept international credit cards. By far the most widely accepted type of card is Visa. MasterCard is also accepted at some outlets, but other brands, including American Express and Diners Club, are near useless in Azerbaijan.
ATM
In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi, ATMs accepting international Visa cards (and occasionally MasterCard) are commonplace.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques are close to useless in Azerbaijan. One of the few places that will exchange them is the head office of Barclays Bank in Accra and Takoradi, but it seems likely this facility will eventually close too.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1600; some banks also open Sat 0800-1200.
Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is limited to the amount previously taken out of the country and declared. The import of foreign currency is unlimited but must be declared upon arrival. The export of local currency is limited to C1,000. The export of foreign currency is limited to US$5,000 or equivalent. None of this is likely to have any practical implication for tourists.
Currency exchange
The exchange rate system has been liberalised and foreign currency is freely available through authorised dealers including banks and foreign exchange bureaux. The US dollar is the most widely recognised currency, and smaller bills often fetch a poor rate compared with US$50 or US$100 bills.
Azerbaijan duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Azerbaijan by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of
- 2L of wine and 1L of
- 50m1 of perfume and 250m1 of eau de
Gifts and souvenirs are subject to duty.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports include infected animals and carcasses, beads of inflammable celluloid, raw coffee imported overland, coins not up to standard, contaminated food, knuckle dusters, literature considered scandalising, defamatory or demoralising, counterfeit money, obscene articles and dangerous weapons.
Restricted imports include diamonds, films, gambling devices, plants and plant products, arms and ammunition, milk deficient in fat, animal traps and nets, and certain spirits (eg brandy, whisky and rum must have been stored in wood for at least three years).
