Visa-free travel for Armenian citizens a ‘realistic prospect’ in coming years,

Visa liberalization is an important part of the EU-Armenia partnership, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, told Armenpress in an exclusive interview during his visit to Armenia.

The EU Commissioner visited Armenia on March 12 and held talks with PM Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan amid the ongoing EU-Armenia visa liberalization dialogue.

The Commissioner emphasized that if the reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect.

“Visa liberalisation is an important part of the EU-Armenia partnership because it brings our people closer together. It will make travel easier for work, study, and tourism. This, in turn, deepens cooperation and people-to-people contacts. Last November, we handed over the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, and progress has been steady, especially on document security and migration management. The introduction of biometric identity documents is an important step, and I understand this will come into effect soon. Reforms are also continuing in areas such as asylum, and the fight against organised crime and corruption, with support from EU partners and agencies like Europol and Frontex. Visa liberalisation is a benchmark-based process, so all requirements in the Action Plan must be met before a final decision can be taken – not only in the interest of the EU, but most importantly for the Armenian people. The first progress report will be presented at the EU -Armenia Summit in May 2026. If this reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect. It would create new opportunities for Armenian citizens in education, business, tourism, and cultural exchange, and further strengthen ties between Armenia and the European Union,” Brunner told Armenpress.