The Republic of Azerbaijan is a country located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
As a part of the former Soviet Union, it has crafted an identity for itself beyond those dark times.
In fact, the region has become well-known for a relatively low crime rate of just 31.76, with a safety index of 68.22.
That said, there are cities where you might be at risk if you visit the area.
They are often among the most popular destinations for tourists, so please read on to learn more about this risk and how to stay safe.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Azerbaijan
Baku
As Azerbaijani’s capital and largest city, it’s the most dangerous of all the cities on this list.
In fact, it’s the only major metropolis in the country and holds about 25% of all the nation’s residents or about five million people.
That said, it’s still considered relatively safe according to various metrics.
These claim it’s 83% safe to walk alone during daylight, while it’s 65.5% secure to walk alone at night.
Crimes in the area include mugging, stolen cars, physical attacks because of racism, and drug dealing.
Typically, it’s best to avoid the fringe areas of the city, as the downtown area is safer.
Sumgait
The second-largest city in Azerbaijan with a population of over 343,000, Sumgait has a checkered history.
In 1988, a pogrom or genocide against Armenians in the area.
Though it was primarily a small portion of the population committing this crime, many passersby failed to step in and help.
While the region has struggled to move on from this genocidal act, the crime rate in the area remains reasonably high.
Heavy racial tensions still exist throughout the city, typically among Armenians.
As a result, it’s best for those from this country to stay out of this city entirely.
Ganja
As the third-largest city in Azerbaijan, Ganja is typically a fairly safe place for tourists to visit.
The biggest concern in this city is the continuing conflicts in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
This war against Armenia heavily affected this city and made it very dangerous to visit for several years.
As part of the disputed region, Ganja and other Azerbaijan cities are under constant threat of attack and retaliation from Armenia.
So, while the crime rate in the city may not be exceptionally high, it’s still a dangerous place to visit and could threaten your life if you aren’t safe.
Xirdalan
The fourth-largest city in Azerbaijan is not as dangerous as the three-largest because it lacks the concentrated number of people in Baku and the racial strive in Ganja.
However, its crime threat level is at about 30, which is about average for the country.
Common crimes in the area include burglary, car theft, and someone stealing items from a car.
This latter problem is widespread and can be avoided by keeping your belongings with you.
Staying in well-populated areas of the city should also decrease your risk.
Mingachevir
Mingachevir is a typical tourist destination for people in Azerbaijan because its relatively large size and cozy atmosphere make it reasonably comfortable.
The crime remains pretty low here, though it was involved in the lengthy war against Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Furthermore, the city often experiences a sudden increase in murders, typically between gang leaders and followers.
Gang-on-resident crime remains low here, though it’s best to check with locals to learn more about the potential actions of these dangerous people while visiting.
Nakhchivan
As the sixth-largest city in the nation, Nakhchivan typically has a relatively low crime rate compared to the previous towns.
However, its crime rate has increased by 66% in recent years, which is troubling.
That still puts it below the cities already mentioned, but it should be discussed here.
Typically, people in the area experience vandalism and theft, as well as corruption and bribery, in this city.
Car thefts, mugging, and attacks remain very low to low in the region.
Racial problems are also not a significant issue here because the Armenian population is relatively low.
Lankaran
With a population of just over 87,000, Lankaran remains a popular destination for Azerbaijan visitors.
While the region is usually safe, there are a few things to watch out for here.
They were part of the Nagorno-Karabakh war, and tension remains high in this area.
Furthermore, random and sometimes incredibly violent crimes have occurred here in the past.
In 2006, a severe robbery and beating led to the deaths of an elderly resident.
Though rare, such crimes do occur here at times, especially against tourists who look well off.
Shirvan
With a population of 87,000 people, Shirvan is one of the largest cities in the country.
It’s also one of the most problematic for children.
There’s a pandemic of child abuse, violence, and exploitation in the city, including child labor and even sex crimes in the city.
Unicef reported heavily on this issue in the past.
Most visitors to the area are likely fairly safe, though residents often tend to be stand-offish to visitors.
As a result, it’s best to stay outside the city and travel there rather than attempting to find a place to stay within its borders.
Thankfully, only very little crime against tourists seems to happen here.
Shaki
Shaki is a very popular hiking destination for Azerbaijan residents, but is it safe?
Well, its safety index of 65 is relatively high, and its overall crime is considered very low at 26.
However, there’s still a risk of drug-related crime in the region due to a higher-than-normal poverty level.
Typically, these crimes rarely affect tourists unless someone attacks a visitor to get money or acts out due to drug abuse.
Usually, this abuse is concentrated in more out-of-the-way areas of the city, making more downtown or tourist-friendly areas reasonably safe to visit.
Yevlakh
When compared to other Eastern European regions, Yevlakh is incredibly safe.
Its crime index is low at 28, while its safety index is high at 65.
That said, there’s still some concern about things like property crime, car theft, drug-related crime, and even some racial assault against Armenians.
That said, Yevlakh is one of the safest places in the country among bigger cities.
It’s still the tenth most dangerous city in the area because most towns after it is far too small to have extensive crime.
As a result, it’s included on this list but still considered reasonably safe.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Azerbaijan
1. Avoid the Disputed Region
While the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is mostly resolved, many fear that it could erupt again at any point.
As a result, it’s best to stay out of this area and avoid cities within it.
We listed cities above that are in this region to ensure you know when to avoid them.
2. Travel During the Tourist Season
Typically, Azerbaijan is safest during the tourist seasons because the region avoids conflict and other problems.
Try to go during April and May or September and October.
The region welcomes guests like you more readily, and police presence is typically higher.
3. Stay Out of Armenian Areas
Find out where Armenian residents live within each city and avoid these areas.
There’s nothing wrong with these individuals, but racial tension between residents and these individuals may occur at any time.
Typically, tourists aren’t targeted but may get caught in the crossfire of violence.
4. Don’t Use Unofficial Taxis
While violent crime remains rare in Azerbaijan, many tourists get tricked into using unofficial taxis all the time.
These taxis are very dangerous and could result in you being kidnapped, assaulted, or worse.
Call a taxi company first before jumping into a car, and never hail one right off the street.
5. Pay Attention to Protests
Check the news every day before leaving your hotel to see if any protests are happening in the city.
While rarer now than they were in 2020, the country’s citizens are heavily protecting the war in various areas.
These may turn violent if you aren’t safe and could become dangerous unexpectedly.
Azerbaijan Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Azerbaijan Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are visitors in danger of being roofied?
While roofies aren’t common in Azerbaijan, some criminals in bigger cities may target tourists at bars.
Try to avoid leaving your drinks or food unattended at any time.
This problem is more common in bars but could occur even in restaurants, so always leave someone you trust with your food first.
Am I at risk for theft?
While violent crime does happen to visitors in Azerbaijan, most criminals prefer a different route.
For example, some pose as police officers and randomly demand money.
Others may pick your pockets instead.
Keep your wallet in your hand or in a pocket near your chest to avoid this danger.
Is the Nagorno-Karabakhn Region Truly Dangerous?
Azerbaijan currently doesn’t allow anyone to enter the region without a permit because it’s currently under a ceasefire.
The area also has many landmines that could kill you very easily.
As a result, it’s best to stay out of this region and avoid sneaking in: you could be arrested even if you’re not hurt.
