What Customs in Baku Will Take Away: Medicines, Carpets, Alcohol, Currency and Prohibited Items — Import and Export Rules

Please note. This article is for general information. All allowances were checked against the official website of Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee (customs.gov.az) in September 2026, but rules can change. The final decision rests with the customs authority, so in doubtful cases we recommend checking the rules with the Committee’s call centre on 195/6 or in the “Smart Customs” app.

In short: the five things that cause problems most often. First, medicines with psychotropic or narcotic components carried without a prescription and documents. Second, carpets and antiques without an export certificate. Third, exceeding the allowances: under Committee rules, anyone aged 18 or over can bring in 1.5 litres of alcohol and 200 cigarettes, and take out no more than 125 grams of sturgeon caviar. Fourth, a large sum of cash not declared on arrival: without a document you won’t be able to take out more than 10,000 dollars. Fifth, pepper spray and stun guns: in Azerbaijan, sprays are classed as gas weapons.

You’ve cleared passport control at Heydar Aliyev Airport and picked up your suitcase — and in front of you are two channels, green and red. In your bag: a bottle of whisky from duty-free, a carton of cigarettes, a first-aid kit and gifts. Is the green channel enough?

Most tourists clear customs in Baku without a single question. Problems arise for those who trust outdated figures from the internet. Here’s what, according to the primary source, you can bring in and take out, and what can be taken away.

Why the figures online differ

Search for Azerbaijan’s import allowances and you’ll easily find three different versions. Some sources say 3 litres of alcohol and 600 cigarettes, others 1.5 litres of spirits, 2 litres of wine and up to 1,000 cigarettes, and still others 1.5 litres and 200 cigarettes. It’s the same with currency: some advise declaring any amount, others only sums over 10,000 dollars, and one popular site even claims tourists can’t bring in or take out manats at all.

Where does the confusion come from? The allowances in Azerbaijan have changed several times, and many guides and aggregators have been copying old data from each other for years. That’s why we rely only on what’s published on the Committee’s official website. If you come across a different figure online, it’s most likely outdated.

Alcohol, cigarettes and other allowances

Under Committee rules, these allowances apply to everyone aged 18 or over. The Committee also stresses that the rules for crossing the customs border are the same for foreigners as for Azerbaijani citizens.

About alcohol: 1.5 litres is the total volume, not “1.5 litres of spirits plus wine”. If you’re carrying more, use the red channel and declare it.

About caviar. A figure of 600 grams circulates online, but under Committee rules you can take out up to 125 grams of sturgeon caviar without problems. Buy it in shops that give you a receipt and labelling.

Personal belongings not intended for commercial purposes, and medicines in quantities needed for personal use, are not subject to customs duty.

Medicines

This is the most sensitive point. Under Committee rules, importing narcotic and psychotropic substances and their precursors is prohibited, and the lists of controlled substances are approved by the government of Azerbaijan.

Which substances are specially controlled. According to official Committee data and the legal lists:

• tramadol is on the legal list of potent substances, and since 2018 all tramadol-containing medicines are controlled, regardless of dosage;
• pregabalin (for example, Lyrica) and gabapentin are also on the list of potent substances;
• alprazolam (Xanax) is on the list of controlled psychotropic substances, as are other benzodiazepines;
• methadone and strong opioids are on the lists of restricted narcotic drugs.

The law states explicitly that the list covers all dosage forms containing these substances, regardless of brand name. So check your medicine’s active ingredient, not its name.

A real case. In 2022, at the Bilasuvar border post, a passenger who hadn’t declared any medicines was found carrying 30 capsules of gabapentin, 30 capsules of pregabalin, alprazolam and methadone. The Committee reported that an investigation had been opened. The lesson is simple: even a small amount of such medicines without a declaration and documents is grounds for serious proceedings.

We didn’t find the figure of “more than 840 prohibited medicines” that circulates online in official sources: the official lists are organised by active ingredient, not by brand name.

What changed in 2024. Since 1 January 2024 an amendment to the Law on Medicines has been in force: medicines for personal use can be brought in and taken out with a prescription approved by the authorised body. Checking the prescription takes up to two working days, and this applies primarily to medicines not registered in Azerbaijan.

How to bring medicines in without problems:

1. Carry them in their original packaging with the leaflet.
2. Take only the amount you need for the trip.
3. For prescription medicines, have a prescription or doctor’s note in English or Russian with the international name of the active ingredient and the dosage.
4. If a medicine contains psychotropic or narcotic components, check the rules with the Azerbaijani embassy before travelling and declare it in the red channel.

Carpets and antiques

A carpet is the most popular gift from Azerbaijan — and the most common reason for questions on departure.

What the law says. According to the text of the Law on Culture published on the Committee’s website, carpets and carpet products belong to applied arts that can be cultural heritage. The line is drawn at the 1960s: mass- and serially-produced items made since the 1960s, and souvenirs not recognised as cultural property after examination, are not heritage. The possibility of export is confirmed by a certificate, and items on the state register of national cultural property cannot be exported at all.

Why the dates get confused. In 2017 a spokesperson for the Carpet Museum said certificates are not issued for items older than 1950. That’s why both dates circulate online. The practical conclusion is simple: get a certificate for any handmade carpet, and for an antique one, find out in advance whether it can be exported at all.

Where to get a certificate. According to the UK Foreign Office, export certificates for carpets, samovars, copperware and paintings are available from the Carpet Museum or through the seller. Official art salons usually issue the documents right at purchase. Markets generally don’t have certificates — ask before you pay.

If you’re bringing one in. The UK Foreign Office advises declaring on arrival any carpets and anything antique-looking, even if it’s clearly from another country. Otherwise it will be hard to prove on departure that it isn’t Azerbaijani.

Currency

This is where most myths are, so here are only the Committee’s rules for people aged 18 or over.

Import. Foreign currency in cash can be brought in without restrictions, following customs procedures.

Export:

• by oral declaration — foreign currency up to the equivalent of 10,000 dollars and up to 20,000 manats;
• national currency of 20,000 manats or more, plus jubilee and commemorative coins — only by written declaration;
• foreign currency up to 50,000 dollars — with customs documents confirming it was previously brought in as cash;
• more than 50,000 dollars — only by transfer through authorised banks or the national postal operator.

Why you can’t take out more than you brought in. It’s simple: to take out more than 10,000 dollars in cash, you need a document showing you brought it in. If you didn’t declare a large sum on arrival, you’ll have nothing to confirm its origin on departure. So the rule for tourists is one: carrying more than 10,000 dollars? Use the red channel and keep the declaration until you fly out.

And no, tourists are not banned from taking manats out — that’s a myth.

Food, plants and religious literature

Food. Under Committee rules, up to 30 kilograms of food for personal use can be brought in. Plants, seeds, seedlings and animal products are subject to phytosanitary and veterinary control, so it’s better not to bring them, or to declare them.

Religious literature. According to a Committee clarification published in September 2026, religious books, audio and video materials and other religious items are carried by individuals under a simplified procedure, but with the consent of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations. This rule is set by Cabinet of Ministers Decision No. 305. If you’re bringing religious books — especially several copies or as gifts — check the procedure in advance.

Phones, drones and electronics

Phones. Under Committee rules, mobile phones and other wireless devices brought in from abroad must be declared, and registering the phone number requires its registration in the Committee’s system. We explained how to do it in detail in our IMEI registration guide.

Drones. Don’t bring a drone without special permission: it can be confiscated at the border. Full details in our separate article on drones.

Your own car. Temporary import of a car has its own rules — we collected them in our temporary car import guide.

Pepper spray, knives, stun guns

Pepper spray. In Azerbaijan, sprays and aerosol devices are legally classed as gas weapons. The Supreme Court of Azerbaijan has explained that liability for acquiring and carrying them is decided under articles of the Criminal Code. In addition, under international air transport rules such sprays are forbidden in both hand luggage and checked baggage. Put simply, you can’t bring one.

Stun guns. Under air transport rules, electroshock weapons are also forbidden in baggage. Leave yours at home.

Knives. Knives don’t go in hand luggage. An ordinary folding or kitchen knife in checked baggage usually causes no problems. Items resembling bladed weapons, however — daggers or switchblades, for example — may be classed as weapons.

For women travelling alone. Baku is considered a safe city, and there are legal alternatives to a spray. A personal alarm keyring, an app that shares your location with loved ones, ride-hailing apps instead of hitchhiking and accommodation in central districts solve most concerns without risking trouble with the law.

If something is confiscated

1. Stay calm and don’t raise your voice. The officer is following procedure.
2. Ask for an official document — a report or record listing what was confiscated. Without it, nothing can be returned.
3. Find out what can be done on the spot. When allowances are exceeded, the excess is, as a rule, either charged duty or confiscated.
4. If you disagree with the decision, contact the Committee: on 195/6, via customs.gov.az or the “Smart Customs” app. The Committee has an appeals council.
5. For medicines and valuable items, contact your country’s consulate.

It’s realistic to get a confiscated item back if it isn’t prohibited and the issue was with documents. Prohibited items are not returned.

Red or green channel

If you’re carrying anything that needs to be declared — goods over the allowances, a large sum of cash, controlled medicines, carpets or antiques — use the red channel. If not, the green one. Declarations can be submitted in writing or electronically via kiosks, the e.customs.gov.az portal or the “Smart Customs” app. The portal has a simplified declaration for passengers — you can declare goods in advance, before crossing the border — and a customs payments calculator.

Pre-trip checklist:

• alcohol — no more than 1.5 litres, cigarettes — no more than 200;
• medicines — in original packaging, with a prescription in English or Russian;
• cash over 10,000 dollars — declare on arrival;
• pepper spray and stun guns — leave at home;
• a certificate for any carpet you buy, a receipt for caviar;
• your phone — declare and register it.

Shopping and departure: what to bear in mind

Big purchases at the market. If you’re going to Sadarak or Bina market for a carpet, remember that a rolled carpet and heavy purchases are much easier to transport by car than by hunting for a taxi they’ll fit in. We explained how not to overpay in our markets guide.

VAT refund. If you shopped in stores with Tax Free, you’ll need time at the airport to process the refund — details in our Baku shopping guide.

Returning a car at the airport. If you’re returning a rental car at the airport, allow time not only for check-in but also for customs and the VAT refund. Karavan Rent A Car in Baku delivers and collects cars at the airport and at any address convenient for you, so you can hand the car back right at the terminal. Agree the time with a manager in advance on WhatsApp or Telegram at +994-55-455-22-45.

FAQ

How much alcohol can I bring into Azerbaijan?

Under Committee rules, 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages per person aged 18 or over.

How many cigarettes can I bring into Azerbaijan?

200 cigarettes per person aged 18 or over.

Do I need to declare currency when entering Azerbaijan?

You can bring in cash without limits, but if the amount exceeds 10,000 dollars, declare it in writing: without that document you won’t be able to take it back out.

Can I take a carpet out of Azerbaijan?

Yes, with an export certificate, issued by official salons or through the Carpet Museum. Items on the state register of national cultural property cannot be exported.

How much caviar can I take out of Azerbaijan?

Under Committee rules, up to 125 grams of sturgeon caviar.

Which medicines can’t be brought into Azerbaijan?

Medicines with narcotic and psychotropic substances without authorising documents. Carry medicines in their original packaging with a prescription.

Can I bring pepper spray into Azerbaijan?

No. Sprays are classed as gas weapons, and they’re forbidden on planes.

Are the rules different for foreigners?

No. According to the Committee, the rules for foreigners are the same as for Azerbaijani citizens.

Can I bring pregabalin (Lyrica) or tramadol?

These substances are on the legal list of potent substances. Carrying them without a declaration and medical documents can lead to an investigation, so check the rules with the embassy in advance and declare the medicine.

Can I bring religious literature?

Yes, but with the consent of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations. It’s best to check the procedure before travelling.

Conclusion

Customs in Baku isn’t scary if you rely on current rules rather than figures from old forums. 1.5 litres of alcohol and 200 cigarettes, declaring cash over 10,000 dollars, a prescription for medicines, a certificate for a carpet and no sprays — that’s all most travellers need to remember.

Information checked against the Committee’s website in September 2026. Before travelling, we recommend checking the current rules at customs.gov.az.

Sources

• State Customs Committee: information for travelers
• State Customs Committee: exportation of cultural goods
• GOV.UK: Local laws and customs — Azerbaijan
• State Customs Committee: medicines detained at the Bilasuvar post (2022)
• Law on the list of potent substances (2016)
• State Customs Committee: frequently asked questions

Read also

• Shopping in Baku: a guide to malls and VAT refunds: read the article
• Sadarak, Bina and Absheron markets: how not to overpay: read the article