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State Department Issues Consular Information Sheet On Azerbaijan

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  • State Department Issues Consular Information Sheet On Azerbaijan

    STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET ON AZERBAIJAN

    US Fed News
    March 31, 2006 Friday 8:28 PM EST

    WASHINGTON

    The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the
    following Consular Information Sheet:

    COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:Azerbaijan is a constitutional republic with a
    developing economy. Western-style amenities are found in the capital,
    Baku, but they are generally not available outside that city. Read
    the Department of State Background Notes on Azerbaijan for additional
    information.

    ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Travelers
    may obtain single-entry visas for USD 40 by mail or in person from
    either the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, D.C. or any other
    Azerbaijani embassy offering consular services. Travelers may also
    obtain single-entry, 30-day visas at the airport upon arrival. Visas
    are not available at the land border with Georgia. Double-entry,
    90-day visas (cost $80 U.S.) and one-year multiple-entry visas
    (cost $250 U.S.) are only available through an Azerbaijani embassy
    or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A letter of invitation
    from a contact in Azerbaijan is required, and travelers who expect
    to travel in the region should request a one-year, multiple-entry visa.

    American citizens of Armenian ancestry have had visa applications
    denied by the Government of Azerbaijan on the grounds that their
    safety cannot be guaranteed.

    U.S. citizens who obtain a one-entry visa at the port of entry are
    permitted to remain in Azerbaijan for up to one month, after which
    an extension of stay must be requested. For persons in Azerbaijan,
    visa applications, extensions or renewals are made at the Ministry
    of Foreign Affairs, Shikhali Kurbanov Str., 4, Baku; tel. (9-9412)
    492 34 01. For additional information, please contact the Embassy of
    Azerbaijan, 2741 34th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (tel.

    202-337-3500); e-mail: [email protected]. Visit the Embassy of
    Azerbaijan website at http://www.azembassy.com/ for the most current
    visa information. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for
    more information on Azerbaijan and other countries.

    See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to
    dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.

    Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs
    regulations.

    SAFETY AND SECURITY: As a result of conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh
    area of Azerbaijan, insurgent forces occupy approximately 15 percent
    of Azerbaijani territory (in the southwest along the borders with Iran
    and Armenia). A cease-fire has been in effect in the Nagorno-Karabakh
    region since 1994, although reports of armed clashes along the
    cease-fire line and along the border with Armenia continue.

    Anti-personnel mines are a danger in areas close to the front lines.

    It is not possible to enter the self-proclaimed "Republic of
    Nagorno-Karabakh," which is not recognized by the United States, from
    Azerbaijan. Travelers are cautioned to avoid travel to Nagorno-Karabakh
    and the surrounding occupied areas. Because of the existing state
    of hostilities, consular services are not available to Americans
    in Nagorno-Karabakh.

    American citizens of Armenian ancestry considering travel to Azerbaijan
    should remain particularly vigilant when visiting the country, as the
    Government of Azerbaijan has claimed that it is unable to guarantee
    their safety.

    A number of political rallies have occurred in Baku in recent months
    as a result of the November 2005 Parliamentary elections. While the
    majority of these protests were peaceful, some became confrontational
    and escalated into violence. Americans are reminded that even protests
    intended to be peaceful may turn violent and travelers are advised
    to avoid all demonstrations.

    For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad
    should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where
    the current, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the
    Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

    Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by
    calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside
    the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These
    numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
    Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

    The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility
    for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general
    information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect
    themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's
    pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

    CRIME: Although the Republic of Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent
    crime, incidents of street crime and assaults on foreigners are
    common. Visitors should follow the same precautions they would in any
    major city. Visitors should not walk alone at night, if possible. All
    crime incidents should be reported to the local police and U.S.

    Embassy. The Police Office of Crimes by and Against Foreigners has an
    English-speaking officer available at all times who may be reached at
    (994 12) 490-95-32 or, after hours, at 490-94-52.

    INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S.

    passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the
    nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime
    while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please
    contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The
    Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find
    appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and
    explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation
    and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local
    authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local
    criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

    See our information on Victims of Crime:
    http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergen cies/emergencies_1748.html.

    MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: A few Western-type medical
    clinics, the quality of which is comparable to those in Western
    countries, are operating in Baku. The quality of these clinics
    is good. However, medical facilities outside the capital remain
    inadequate, unsanitary, and unsafe. There is often a shortage of
    basic medical supplies, including disposable needles and vaccines.

    Avian Influenza: The WHO and Azerbaijani authorities have confirmed
    human cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as
    "bird flu." Travelers to Azerbaijan and other countries affected by
    the virus are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals
    in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated
    with feces from poultry or other animals. In addition, the CDC and
    WHO recommend eating only fully cooked poultry and eggs. For the
    most current information and links on avian influenza in Azerbaijan,
    see the State Department's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet or visit the
    website of the U.S. Embassy in Baku.

    Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as
    safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be
    obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline
    for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via
    the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information
    about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health
    Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health
    information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

    MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans
    to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling
    abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether
    it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please
    see our information on medical insurance overseas.

    TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S.

    citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
    from those in the United States. The information below concerning
    Azerbaijan is provided for general reference only, and may not be
    totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

    Driving hazards such as open manholes, debris, sinkholes and potholes
    are common. Drivers do not pay attention to traffic regulations,
    signals, lanes, pedestrians or other drivers. Drivers often travel
    at extremely high speed, and accidents are frequent and often serious.

    Driving in Baku should be considered extremely hazardous. Outside the
    city, even where roads are present, conditions are similar. Roads are
    often in poor repair, unlit, and lack lane markings, traffic signs,
    and warnings. Many rural roads are largely unpaved.

    Public transportation throughout the country is overcrowded and
    poorly maintained. The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages use of the
    Baku Metro. Train travel in the Caucasus region is not secure.

    Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

    AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:As there is no direct commercial
    air service between the United States and Azerbaijan, the
    U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed
    Azerbaijan's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with
    ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more
    information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at
    http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/ oversight/iasa.

    Travelers on airlines among the countries of the Caucasus may
    experience prolonged delays and sudden cancellations of flights. In
    addition to frequent delays, flights are often overcrowded with
    passengers without seats standing in the aisle along with excess
    unsecured cabin luggage. Even basic safety features such as seat
    belts are sometimes missing. Air travel to Azerbaijan on international
    carriers via the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey is more reliable.

    SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The Republic of Azerbaijan's economy is mostly
    cash-only. Traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted only in some
    hotels and a few restaurants and supermarkets. The national currency
    is the manat. An increasing number of commercial establishments have
    begun to enforce the requirement that purchases be made with manats.

    Azerbaijanicustoms authorities may enforce strict regulations
    concerning temporary importation into or export from Azerbaijan of
    items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities including
    carpets, medications, and caviar, and any amount of currency over
    USD 1000. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan in
    Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.

    Please see our information on Customs Information.

    CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is
    subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
    significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
    protections available to the individual under U.S. law.

    Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United
    States for similar offenses. Persons violating Azerbaijan's laws,
    even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties
    for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Azerbaijanare
    severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and
    heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or
    disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime,
    prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on
    Criminal Penalties.

    CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of
    children and international parental child abduction, see the Office
    of Children's Issues website.

    REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in
    Azerbaijan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy
    or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration
    website and to obtain updated information on travel and security
    within Azerbaijan. Americans withoutInternet access may register
    directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens
    make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

    The U.S. Embassy is located at Prospect Azadlig 83;
    tel. (9-9412) 498-03-35, 36, or 37; (9-9412) 490-66-71; email:
    [email protected]; web site: http://www.usembassybaku.org.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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