Armenia is moving to modernize its identification and border management systems through the introduction of biometric passports and automated, contactless border crossing systems aimed at speeding up and simplifying citizens’ travel.

Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan briefed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the ongoing work and progress toward the introduction of the new biometric passport and identification card system.

Pashinyan said during the meeting that the implementation process for biometric passports and ID cards is in its final stage and that they will become available to citizens starting in the autumn of 2026.

According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sargsyan emphasized that the goal of the new system is to ensure that identity documents comply with high international standards, particularly the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). According to the minister, the system will increase the reliability of documents, facilitate border crossings, and promote citizens’ freedom of movement, including in the context of the European Union visa liberalization process.

It was also noted that modern infrastructure is being developed as part of the project, which is being implemented under a public-private partnership model. The new passports will include a high level of security features, including protective elements such as ultraviolet (UV) layers.

At the same time, it was emphasized that the design of the documents reflects Armenian identity, historical and cultural heritage, and symbols of statehood.

The documents are designed as a visual narrative of Armenian identity and history, beginning with ancient origins and continuing through key historical milestones such as the founding of Yerevan and the adoption of Christianity in 301 AD, before moving on to modern state institutions and landmarks.

It was further noted that, alongside the introduction of biometric passports, automated, contactless border crossing systems are also planned at border checkpoints, which will significantly facilitate and speed up the movement of citizens.

Pashinyan said the project represents an important step for Armenia toward establishing a modern and secure passport system that meets international standards.

“We have launched a rather lengthy process, ranging from infrastructure to design work. The infrastructure is currently underway, meaning we are establishing a data center that must ensure compliance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). At the moment, we are in the process of signing a memorandum with ICAO so that we can make our data readable and accessible to partner countries as well,” the minister explained.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in turn, stressed that the biometric passport system is also important in terms of completing the visa liberalization process with the European Union. 

Turning to the appearance of the new passports, the prime minister said:

“The first change is the change in color. We have three colors on our flag—red, blue, and apricot. We have decided that the biometric passport will have a red shade, which, according to our research, is one of the most widely used internationally,” Pashinyan said.

On the first page of the passport, there will be an outline map of Armenia on the left side, while the Armenian coat of arms and textual information will be placed on the right side.

Russian authorities have suspended the sale of a batch of Armenian “Jermuk” carbonated mineral water in both offline and online stores while inspections are carried out. According to the Russian RBC media outlet, around 338,000 bottles are affected.

The decision was made following a warning from Russia’s consumer safety watchdog (Rospotrebnadzor), which cited the need to prevent possible risks to consumers’ health and safety. The agency pointed to alleged “violations of mandatory requirements” as the reason for the suspension.

The ban applies to products manufactured between February 17, 2026, and March 2026.

Armenpress has reached out to Jermuk Group for comment. 

The cause of a mass gastrointestinal illness reported last week in a small Armenian town has been linked to contaminated drinking water and the detection of multiple pathogens, including rotavirus, adenovirus, and pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains, according to healthcare authorities.

Last week, at least 300 people, all with similar gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, sought medical treatment in Byureghavan, a town of roughly 10,000 residents some 16 km northeast of Yerevan. Authorities launched an investigation but indicated that the cause was likely a tap water issue.

The suspicion was confirmed on April 28.

Armenia’s National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported on April 28 that testing of drinking water in Byureghavan has revealed deviations, including the presence of coliform bacteria.

Biological sample analyses have also detected rotavirus, adenovirus, as well as pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), including enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteropathogenic (EPEC) types.

Authorities said appropriate measures have been taken and that relevant bodies have been notified.

“The situation is currently under control; no active spread of the outbreak has been recorded, and epidemiological data indicate that the process is subsiding. The condition of patients who sought medical care, both outpatient and inpatient, is satisfactory, and no new cases have been registered,” the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.

Armenian food safety authorities have reacted to reports regarding the temporary suspension of Jermuk mineral water sales in Russia, saying they have not received any official notification from their Russian counterparts.

The Food Safety Inspection Agency of Armenia, responding to media reports that Russia has suspended the sale of an imported batch of the Armenian bottled water pending inspections, said in a statement that it is taking measures to clarify the situation.

“The Food Safety Inspection Agency of Armenia has not yet received any official information—such as a written notice—regarding the matter in question from the relevant Russian authorities, including either Rospotrebnadzor or Rosselkhoznadzor (the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation).

Measures are being taken to clarify the situation and take appropriate action.

Russian authorities have suspended the sale of a batch of Armenian “Jermuk” carbonated mineral water in the country while inspections are carried out. According to the Russian RBC media outlet, around 338,000 bottles are affected.

The decision was made following a warning from Russia’s consumer safety watchdog (Rospotrebnadzor), which cited the need to prevent possible risks to consumer health and safety. The agency pointed to alleged “violations of mandatory requirements” as the reason for the suspension.

The ban applies to products manufactured between February 17, 2026, and March 2026.

There was no public comment from Jermuk Group immediately available.

Authorities have denied as “fabricated” a report by a local media outlet claiming that Armenia intends to hand over a village in the country’s north to Georgia during the delimitation process.

The delimitation process of the Armenia–Georgia international border has not been formally concluded, although Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously said the process would soon be finalized.

The report claimed that the village of Jiliza in Armenia’s Lori Province would be handed over to Georgia during the process.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s spokesperson, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, denied the claim as fake news.

“Some media outlets have circulated ‘information’ claiming that, within the framework of the delimitation process, an agreement has allegedly been reached under which Armenia would transfer the village of Jiliza in the Alaverdi Municipality.

Any statement, idea, or ‘information’ about the intention, plan, or agreement to transfer any part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia to another country cannot correspond to reality by its very nature.

Therefore, as before, we deny, are denying, and will continue to deny any such publications, both now and in the future, due to their fabricated nature,” Baghdasaryan said on social media. 

Founder and CEO of Agile Robots SE, a German-based smart robotics company, Zhaopeng Chen, led a delegation to Armenia to explore future joint initiatives and collaboration with local engineering companies.

“We were pleased to host Agile Robots SE in Armenia, led by Zhaopeng Chen, CEO, founder,” said Hakob Arshakyan, the Vice Speaker of Parliament, describing the visit as a “valuable opportunity for dialogue” on the latest developments in AI and robotics.

Arshakyan is also the Chairman of the Armenian Innovation Foundation (AIF) and Executive Committee Chairman of the Council for Science and Technology Development.

“During the visit to American University of Armenia and the Engineering City – implemented by EIF, potential areas of collaboration and future joint initiatives were explored with the local engineering companies. In this context, an ARCS.ai program by Armenian Society of Fellows (ASOF) and Armenian Innovation Foundation was presented on April 10 to the Council for Science and Technology Development to the Prime Minister of Armenia, focusing on advancing robotics and artificial intelligence—particularly Physical AI—as one of the key frontiers of the next technological wave, building on Armenia’s strong educational and research foundation. Looking ahead, we are confident that these discussions will translate into cooperation and new opportunities in advanced technologies,” Arshakyan said in a statement on LinkedIn.

The visit was held alongside AI Conf Armenia, the largest conference on artificial intelligence (AI) in Armenia.

The leading Orbeli think tank has organized a roundtable discussion in Yerevan, bringing together government officials, experts, business representatives, and international participants to discuss regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

The roundtable titled “Regional Developments and the Prospects of the Crossroads of Peace Project” is organized by the Orbeli Center, affiliated with the Prime Minister’s Office Center for Public Relations and Information, with support from the Eurasian Bank.

Orbeli Center coordinator and historian Mikayel Yalanuzyan delivered opening remarks.

Member of Parliament Arman Yeghoyan from the ruling Civil Contract Party, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration Affairs, as well as Deputy Minister of Economy Edgar Zakaryan, also delivered remarks.

The speakers highlighted the development of regional connectivity and the Crossroads of Peace initiative as a key direction for Armenia’s economic development and cooperation.

The Armenian government’s Crossroads of Peace project is a major undertaking designed to establish connections between the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea via a consolidated regional railway network and the North–South and East–West routes.