Travel alerts & warnings
Azerbaijan driving guide.
Azerbaijan’s main highways make independent road trips straightforward, but Baku traffic can be assertive and rural roads vary considerably in condition. Mountain routes may be narrow, unlit or affected by snow and landslides, so plan sightseeing drives for daylight.
- Advisory
- Reconsider travel
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- April to June…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Azerbaijan due to terrorism, armed conflict, and risk of landmines. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- Armed Conflict
- Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. There was a March 5, 2026, drone strike on Nakhchivan International Airport. Commercial flights have also been seriously disrupted.
- Terrorism
- There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Azerbaijan. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
- Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and are a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They may target:
- Tourist locations
Driving there
Your permit in Azerbaijan
- Azerbaijan honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Azerbaijan
Road rules and speed limits
For passenger cars, usual limits are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them and 110 km/h on motorways, unless signs indicate otherwise. Wear seat belts, avoid handheld phone use and do not drink before driving; speed cameras are common on main roads.
Tolls toward Quba and Russia
The newer toll highway on the Baku–Quba–Russian border corridor charges according to vehicle class and distance. The older parallel road provides a toll-free alternative. Check your navigation settings and carry both cash and a bank card rather than relying on a foreign toll tag.
Fuel grades and rural stops
Petrol is commonly labelled AI-92 and AI-95; diesel is also widely available. Confirm the required grade with your rental company, since premium petrol is less dependable in remote areas. Refuel before mountain excursions and keep manat cash for smaller stations.
Rental conditions and mountain routes
Confirm that the rental company accepts your national licence together with your International Driving Permit, and check age, deposit and insurance requirements. Ask specifically about unpaved-road exclusions before visiting mud volcanoes or mountain villages; cross-border travel requires advance permission and may not be available.
Police checks and documents
Carry your passport, original national driving licence, International Driving Permit, rental agreement, vehicle registration and insurance documents. Slow down at checkpoints and follow officers’ instructions. If cited, request an official notice and payment instructions; some border and formerly conflict-affected areas require separate access authorization.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Azerbaijan
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
Gobustan, southwest of Baku · About 1 hour from Baku.
Ancient rock engravings and a modern museum set among striking rocky outcrops. Nearby mud-volcano tracks may require a separate local vehicle.
Ateshgah Fire Temple
Surakhani, Absheron Peninsula · About 30–50 minutes from central Baku, depending on traffic.
A historic fire-worship complex that makes an easy excursion from the capital on paved roads.
Sheki Historic Centre and Khan’s Palace
Sheki · About 2.5–3 hours from Ganja.
Silk Road architecture, caravanserais and a palace celebrated for its intricate stained-glass windows.
Khinalig Village
Quba district, Greater Caucasus · About 1.5–2 hours from Quba in good conditions.
A high-altitude village with distinctive stone houses and sweeping mountain scenery; check weather and road conditions before setting out.
Goygol National Park
Goygol district, Lesser Caucasus · About 1–1.5 hours from Ganja to the visitor area.
A mountain lake surrounded by forest, especially attractive during autumn foliage. Visitor access is limited to designated areas.
Diri Baba Mausoleum
Gobustan district, near Maraza · About 1–1.5 hours from Baku.
A compact medieval mausoleum built into a rock face, conveniently reached from the Baku–Shamakhi road.
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