Azerbaijan is a country steeped in rich cultural and historical heritage and is the first Muslim country to have operas, theater and plays. Bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east and Russia to the north, there is a lot of undiscovered beauty in the landscapes of Azerbaijan. Whatever your reasons for relocating to Azerbaijan, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.
Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Azerbaijan from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
One of the most important parts of preparing for an international move is remembering to gather all of the documents necessary to gain entry into your new country. In addition to the usual documents required when traveling abroad (passport, visa, etc.) there are several more important documents that you'll need if you're going to be relocating to Azerbaijan:
- Valid Azerbaijani Visa
- Valid Passport
- Inventory/packing list, Proforma invoice, Original of OBL / Copy of AWB / no obligatory
- Personal presence of the shipper for customs clearance in Baku is required
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Shipping and customs regulations monitor the goods that are shipped into the country and vary greatly from nation to nation. Here are some of the customs regulations currently in place for people entering Azerbaijan:
- Duty free entry allowed provided items are used, for personal use, will not be sold, and will be exported upon shipper leaving the country. Personal items include appliances, food, clothes, books, etc. Note: After a period of two years, duties may be charged.
- Officially, it is required that the shipper be in the country when the shipment arrives but rarely will he/she need to be at the customs clearance.
- Shipment of household goods and personal effects is subject to payment of customs levy, which varies from 0.18 percent up to 0.30 percent depending on the nature of goods.
- Antiques and books published before 1965, as well as articles of cultural virtue (such as paintings, furniture, carpets, cutlery, music instruments (incl. electric music instruments)) should be photographed at origin (2 photos per item – Polaroid photos not acceptable).
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from entry into Azerbaijan through customs and may be seized upon arrival:
- U.S. citizens may not import firearms into Azerbaijan
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Restricted items, unlike prohibited items, may be allowed into the country under a certain set of guidelines. While the items on this list are not completely prohibited from entering the country through customs, there may be a tax or duty placed on them upon arrival, or other restrictions.
The following items are dutiable and/or restricted:
- Alcohol, restricted to five liters per person
- Tobacco, restricted to five cartons per person
- Medicines for personal use only (with a doctor's statement)
- Jewelry and other precious stones
- Ionized Radiation sources, radioactive substances and equipment for the production of such substances, radiation emitting devices, except for devices used for households and medical supplies
- Religious materials
- Art or artifacts
- Antiquities
- Business equipment
- Wide-range radio receiving devices for conducting radio observation and radio supervision
- Literature and video material insulting the morality and laws of the country
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're relocating to Azerbaijan, you may want to have a car with you in your new country. If you already own a car and you are considering having it shipped to Azerbaijan, you should pay close attention to the rules and regulations regarding motor vehicle shipments.
If you will be shipping your car to Azerbaijan, the following guidelines and regulations will apply:
- Shipper can bring a privately owned vehicle (tax free) into the country for two years. At the time of customs clearance the customs officials will issue a certificate valid for only one year. At the end of this one year period the owner can have the certificate renewed for one additional year.
- Shipper is permitted to bring only one vehicle for the family.
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Bringing your pet along with you is a great way to enjoy the comforts of home as you begin your new life. However, you should first familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding traveling with pets to Azerbaijan, as well as what kind of documents you'll need to clear customs:
- Inoculate the pet against rabies at least 30 days before entering Azerbaijan. No other vaccinations are required.
- Obtain an International health certificate for the export of animals from the United States completed by an accredited veterinarian who certifies animal health status, conducts tests, and records test results for the individual animals being exported. Completed and signed international health certificates for the export of animals from the United States must be endorsed by a USDA area office in order to be valid.
- If you will be transiting other countries, please check to be sure that you have also satisfied that country's requirements for traveling with pets.
- Upon arrival in Baku, your pet and the relevant documents will be examined by a veterinary doctor at the airport. The paperwork is acceptable in English.
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning that is required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company to handle your shipment, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations that in your destination country. These regulations often vary from and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move, we've provided you with a few helpful links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: