Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Registration at State Migration Service - 12-19-2012
UNITED STATES EMBASSY BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
Registration at State Migration Service
December 19, 2012
The Embassy of the United States in Baku, Azerbaijan would like to remind all U.S. citizens residing in Azerbaijan of the importance of maintaining an up-to-date Azerbaijani Permanent or Temporary Residency Permit and visa. Travelers who fail to maintain a valid residency permit may not be allowed to depart Azerbaijan.
Residency permits are issued by the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan and are usually valid for periods between three and 12 months. All residency permits have an expiration date clearly written on them. When renewing your residency permits, submit the documents to the State Migration Service at least 22 business days before the permit expires.
The State Migration Service has increased the use of automated computer systems to determine which individuals have expired residency permits, police registration, and visas.
U.S. citizens with expired residency permits, police registrations, and visas may be and have been prohibited from departing Azerbaijan. Travelers who have submitted documents for residency permit renewal to the State Migration Service less than 22 business days before expiration may also encounter problems when departing Azerbaijan, even if their registration is subsequently renewed.
At the point of departure, travelers may not be given a clear explanation for the reason why they are not allowed to depart Azerbaijan. Travelers with expired residency permits must acquire an exit permit from the State Migration Service before being allowed to depart Azerbaijan. This exit permit costs between 300-400 AZN per adult and is no longer available at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
The full regulations for registration of foreigners in Azerbaijan may be found at the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan’s web site:
http://www.migration.gov.az/index.php?section=012&subsection=111&lang=en
Travelers may also check their status by going in person to the Head Office of the State Migration Service, located at 202 Binagadi Highway, 3123 Block, Binagadi district, Baku.
The U.S. Embassy in Baku has duty personnel who are available for emergency American Citizen Services 24 hours a day and on weekends and holidays. However, the duty officer has little ability to resolve problems with State Migration Service on the spot, especially if it happens after normal business hours. Travelers may reach the duty officer by calling the U.S. Embassy in Baku at (+994 12) 498-0335/6/7.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Azerbaijan enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Azerbaijan. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website
Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.