From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Azerbaijan
Date: 9 Oct 1992 11:54:16 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Azerbaijan
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Azerbaijan - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, is 
temporarily located at the Hotel Intourist; 77 Prospekt Neftyanikov; 
telephone (7) (8922) 92-63-06.  

Country Description:  Azerbaijan is a nation undergoing profound 
political and economic change.  Because of the continuing conflict 
with Armenia, street demonstrations and other disturbances may occur 
without warning.  Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and 
many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries 
are not yet available.

Entry Requirements:  All travelers to Azerbaijan must have a visa.  
Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will 
be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which 
they entered.  Visas for Azerbaijan are issued by a Russian Embassy 
or Consulate.  U.S. citizens may contact the consular section of the 
Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, DC  20036, tel 
(202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for 
further information on visa requirements.

Areas of Instability:  Armed conflict is taking place in and around 
the Armenian-populated area of Nagorno-Karabakh and along the 
Armenian-Azerbaijani border.  Fighting continues on a daily basis, 
and front lines change frequently.

Medical Information:  Medical care in Azerbaijan is limited.  There 
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable 
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers and those 
with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate 
medical facilities.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate 
cash payment for health services.  U.S. insurance coverage is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found that 
in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proved to be useful.  Additional medical information 
can be found in the Department of State's brochure, "Tips for 
Travelers to Russia", which includes information on Azerbaijan and 
is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  Further information on 
health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease 
Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent crime.  
There has been a recent increase in street crime, especially at 
night.  The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  It provides useful 
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security 
while traveling abroad.

Currency Regulations:  Azerbaijan is a cash-only economy.  
Traveler's checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the 
Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within 
the country.

No. 92-005