Azerbaijan - Land of Fire

Notes

Essentials

Visas
UK, EU and US visitors require a visa for entry to Azerbaijan. If you require a visa invitation letter we will provide this for you. However visa regulations can change and therefore we recommend that you check with your nearest embassy for the most up to date details.

Airport Tax
No departure tax is payable when leaving Azerbaijan.

Health and Immunisations
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for travel to Azerbaijan. However we recommend that you speak with your doctor for the most up to date advice regarding any vaccinations that may be recommended.

Insurance
What should my travel insurance policy cover?

• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad

• 24 hour emergency service and assistance

• personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property

• lost and stolen possessions cover

• cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover

• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover

• legal expenses cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions
Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Practical information

Local Currency
The local currency in Azerbaijan is the manat. For current exchange rates visit www.xe.com. The preferred foreign currencies for exchange purposes are the Euro and US dollar.

Where currency can be exchanged
There are banks and bureaux de change in the larger towns and cities throughout Azerbaijan. In smaller towns and villages it is generally not possible to change money.

Credit cards and travellers cheques
Cashing travellers’ cheques is generally possible but fewer places will do so, and the rates tend to be poorer. Baku is well equipped with ATMs for obtaining money. Credit cards are widely accepted in Baku, less so elsewhere.

Best time to go
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Azerbaijan is between May to October. It can get very hot in the summer but the winter is often bitterly cold inland with very strong winds, especially in Baku.

Main Language
The main language in Azerbaijan is Azeri, which is related to Turkish. In addition to this many of the ethnic minority groups such as the Lezghian and Avar people have their own languages. Russian is widely understood, while in Baku you will find many people speaking English.

Main Religion
The principal religion is Shia Islam, although it is interpreted much more liberally than in neighbouring Iran and you will often find remnants of older, pre-Islamic beliefs intertwined with it.

Food and drink
The food of the region is heavily imbued with Turkish and Persian influences. Meals typically consist of a number of small dishes, with meat and cheeses making frequent appearances. Lamb is the most popular meat and is often served in some form of stew. Barbecued meat is also very popular, especially as a street snack.

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Transport
Our tour in Azerbaijan will use minibuses and / or 4wd vehicles.

What to take with you

First Aid Kit
The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

Clothing
When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy. Please note that it can get quite cool in the mountains in the evening.

Footwear
Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Luggage
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable.

Other
Suncream/sunblock is a must. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have.

Fitness
This tour does not require any special degree of fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines
You should ensure that you do not leave any litter behind in the national parks, monuments and mountains – even though you may see local people doing so.

You may come across beggars while on tour. Every traveller has different perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to school.

Please make sure that you dress modestly when entering mosques and religious buildings; shorts are not appropriate and shoulders should be covered.

Photography
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

Tipping
Tipping is commonly recognised as a way of rewarding guides and drivers for good service. If you are happy with your guide and driver, please consider leaving a tip for them.

Foreign Office Advice
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the areas of Azerbaijan that we visit. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Further Information

Public Holidays in Azerbaijan:
1-2 Jan New Year
20 Jan Martyrs’ Day
8 Mar Women’s Day
19-27 Mar Navruz
9 May Victory Day
28 May Republic Day
15 Jun National Salvation Day
26 Jun Army and Navy Day
12 Nov Constitution Day
31 Dec International Solidarity Day

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and as such will vary from year to year.

Dates are for guidance only and may vary year to year

Electrical Supply
Electrical supply is 220V/50 Hz and plugs have two round pins.

Recommended Reading

Azerbaijan
Mark Elliott

In the Shadow of Aliyev
Jason Thomson

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover with your insurance provider.

Issue Date – 12/12/11

For possible changes to this dossier please visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com or call +44 (0)191 296 2674