State Department Documents and Publications
January 5, 2009
Armenia Country Specific Information
STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
January 5, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Armenia is a constitutional republic with a
developing economy. Tourist facilities, especially outside Yerevan,
the capital, are not highly developed, and many of the goods and
services taken for granted in other countries may be difficult to
obtain. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Armenia for
additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are
required. U.S. citizens may purchase visas in advance for a stay of
up to 120 days online at for
the fee of USD 60; however, this visa is valid only for entry at
Zvartnots airport in Yerevan. At this time a visa valid for 120 days
may also be obtained upon arrival at the port of entry for the fee of
15,000 Armenian Drams (approx. USD 50). Visas for up to 120 days may
be purchased at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the
Consulate General in Los Angeles for the fee of USD 69. For further
information on entry requirements, contact the Armenian Embassy at
2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 319-1976 and (202)
319-2983; the Armenian Consulate General in Los Angeles at 50 N. La
Cienega Blvd., Suite 210, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, tel. (310)
657-7320, or visit the Armenian Embassy’s web site at
for the most current visa information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international
child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information
about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: A cease-fire has been in effect since 1994 around
the self-proclaimed "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh," an unrecognized
ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan. However, intermittent
gunfire along the cease-fire line and along the border with Azerbaijan
continues. Because of the existing state of hostilities, consular
services are not available to Americans in Nagorno-Karabakh. Travelers
should exercise caution near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and consult
the Country Specific Information for Azerbaijan if considering travel
to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian territory. Armenia’s land borders
with Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of
Azerbaijan remain closed and continue to be patrolled by armed troops
who stop all people attempting to cross. There are still land mines in
numerous areas in and near the conflict zones.
Political rallies in the aftermath of the February 2008 presidential
elections turned violent. Clashes between government security forces
and opposition demonstrators resulted in dozens of casualties,
including 10 fatalities, in early March 2008. While the opposition
continued to hold periodic protests over the summer and early fall,
there have been no violent confrontations since the March
events. Americans should be mindful that even demonstrations intended
to be peaceful could turn confrontational and possibly escalate into
violence. American citizens are urged to avoid the areas of
demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the
vicinity of any demonstrations.
Armenia is an earthquake- and landslide-prone country. In addition to
these natural disasters, there exists the possibility of chlorine gas
spills and radiation poisoning due to industrial accidents. The
Soviet-era Armenia Nuclear Power plant is located in Metsamor,
approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Yerevan. Armenia is currently
under international pressure to close the plant permanently, due to
safety concerns.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
web site at , where the current Travel Warnings
and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or for callers
outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at
1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). The Department of State urges American citizens to take
responsibility for their own personal security while traveling
overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers
can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
Department of State’s A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime against foreigners is relatively rare in
Armenia. Break-ins, particularly of vehicles, and theft are the most
common crimes, but there have been instances of violent crime as
well. While the incidence of violent crime remains lower than in most
U.S. cities, American citizens are urged to exercise caution and to
avoid traveling alone after dark in Yerevan. Several American
investors have also reported being involved in disputes over property
ownership, and have had to seek legal recourse through a long, and in
the majority of cases, unsuccessful court proceeding.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a
U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and
the U.S. Embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in
addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest
U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Embassy staff can, for example,
assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or
friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the
investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the
responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to
understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney
if needed. For information on assistance in the U.S. including
possible compensation, see our Victims of Crime. The local equivalents
to the "911" emergency line in Armenia are: 101 – fire emergency; 102
– police emergency; 103 – medical emergency; and 104 – gas leak.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Though there are many
competent physicians in Armenia, medical care facilities are limited,
especially outside the major cities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list
of English-speaking physicians in the area. Most prescription
medications are available, but the quality varies. Elderly travelers
and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to
inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Department of State is unaware
of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign
residents of Armenia.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline
for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via
the CDC’s web site at For
information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the
World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
Further health information for travelers is
available at
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to
consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will
cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our
information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country,
U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the United States. The information below concerning
Armenia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally
accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Travel in Armenia
requires caution. Public transportation, while very inexpensive, may
be unreliable and uncomfortable. Travel at night is not recommended,
and winter travel can be extremely hazardous in mountain areas and
higher elevations. Travelers should avoid the old highway between the
towns of Ljevan and Noyemberyan in the Tavush region, as well as the
main highway between the towns of Kirants and Baghanis/Voskevan. The
U.S. Embassy has designated this portion of the road off-limits to all
U.S. Government personnel because of its proximity to the cease-fire
line between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, a line which has seen
numerous cease-fire violations over the years.
On weekends, there are an increased number of intoxicated drivers on
Armenian roads. American citizens are urged to exercise particular
vigilance while traveling on the main highway from Yerevan to the
resort areas of Tsaghkadzor and Sevan. Traffic police will attempt to
stop individuals driving erratically and dangerously, but police
presence outside of Yerevan is limited.
Armenia does have emergency police and medical services, but they may
take time to reach remote regions. With the exception of a few major
arteries, primary roads are frequently in poor repair, with sporadic
stretches of missing pavement and large potholes. Some roads shown as
primary roads on maps are unpaved and can narrow to one lane in width,
while some newer road connections have not yet been marked on recently
produced maps. Secondary roads are normally in poor condition and are
often unpaved and washed out in certain areas. Street and road signs
are poor to nonexistent. Truck traffic is not heavy except on the main
roads linking Yerevan to Iran and Georgia, i.e. the roads virtually
all travelers need to use when traveling overland to those
countries. Minibuses are considered more dangerous than other forms of
public transportation. Travelers who choose to ride minibuses should
exercise caution because these vehicles are often overcrowded and
poorly maintained, commonly lack safety measures including seatbelts,
and are frequently involved in accidents.
People driving in Armenia should be aware that "road rage" is becoming
a serious and dangerous problem on Armenian streets and highways. For
safety reasons drivers are encouraged to yield to aggressive
drivers. Incidents of physical aggression against drivers and
pedestrians have occurred
Though crime along roadways is rare, the police sometimes seek bribes
during traffic stops. Drivers in Armenia frequently ignore traffic
laws, making roadways unsafe for unsuspecting travelers. Pedestrians
often fail to take safety precautions and those driving in towns at
night should be especially cautious. In cities, a pedestrian dressed
in black crossing an unlit street in the middle of the block is a
common occurrence.
The quality of gasoline in Armenia ranges from good at some of the
more reliable stations in cities to very poor. The gasoline and other
fuels sold out of jars, barrels, and trucks by independent roadside
merchants should be considered very unreliable.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air
service to the United States by carriers registered in Armenia, the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Armenia’s
Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more
information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at
versight/iasa. Travelers
on Armavia International Airways may experience prolonged delays and
sudden cancellations of flights. Air travel to Armenia via European
carriers is typically more reliable. Ticketed passengers on flights
leaving Yerevan should reconfirm their reservations 24 hours prior to
departure.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Armenia remains largely a cash-only
economy. Credit cards are accepted at some businesses, including major
hotels and restaurants in Yerevan, but rarely outside of the
capital. Limited facilities exist for cashing traveler’s checks and
wiring money into the country. There are a number of ATMs in the
center of Yerevan. Dollars are readily exchanged at market
rates. Travelers may experience problems with local officials seeking
bribes to perform basic duties.
Armenian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning
temporary importation into or export from Armenia of items such as
firearms, pornographic materials, medication, and communications
equipment. For export of antiquities and other items that could have
historical value, such as paintings, carpets, old books, or other
artisan goods, a special authorization is required in advance from the
Armenian Ministry of Culture. It is advisable to contact the Embassy
of Armenia in Washington, DC or Consulate General in Los Angeles for
specific information regarding customs requirements.
Please see our Customs Information.
Dual Nationals: Changes to Armenian legislation now permit Armenian
citizens to hold dual citizenship. This means that U.S. citizens who
emigrated from Armenia to the U.S. and subsequently acquired
U.S. citizenship without explicitly giving up their Armenian
citizenship may be able to (re)acquire Armenian citizenship along with
all the associated rights and duties, e.g. the right to vote in
Armenian elections and/or the duty for certain males to perform
military service. The new law also means that dual citizens need to
enter and leave Armenia on their Armenian passport, i.e. they would no
longer need an Armenian visa. U.S. citizens interested in obtaining
Armenian citizenship must register their dual citizenship with
Passport and Visa Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia
(formerly OVIR) by simply presenting proof of their other citizenship
(e.g. passport). For more information, please consult with Passport
and Visa Department of the Police (tel.: +37410-501439) and/or
Comp ulsory Military Service: In addition to being subject to all
Armenian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals are also subject
to other laws that impose special obligations on Armenian
citizens. Male U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are also
considered to be Armenian citizens may be subject to conscription and
compulsory military service upon arrival, and to other aspects of
Armenian law while in Armenia. Armenian authorities have regularly
detained U.S. citizens on these grounds upon their arrival in or
departure from Armenia. In most cases, ethnic Armenian travelers who
are accused of evading Armenian military service obligations are
immediately detained and later found guilty of draft
evasion. Penalties for those convicted are stiff and include jail time
or a substantial fine. Those who may be affected are strongly advised
to consult with Armenian officials and inquire at an Armenian embassy
or consulate to their status before traveling.
For additional information on dual nationality, see our dual
nationality flyer.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is
subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for
similar offences. Persons violating Armenian laws, even unknowingly,
may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession,
use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Armenia are severe, and
convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy
fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or
disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime,
prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on
Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues
web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child
abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in
Armenia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site
, and to obtain updated
information on travel and security within Armenia. Americans without
Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy
in Yerevan maintains a computer terminal in the consular waiting room
available to U.S. citizens for registration. The U.S. Embassy provides
Internet access to the general public through the American Corners
program and through the U.S. Embassy’s Information Resource
Center. American Corners are located in Yerevan (2 Amiryan Street,
tel. +374-10-56-13-83), Gyumri (68 Shirakatsi Street,
tel. +374-312-22153), Vanadzor (25, Vardanants Street,
tel. +374-322-21672), and Kapan (6, Shahumyan Street,
tel. +374-285-22151). By registering, American citizens make it easier
for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The
U.S. Embassy in Yerevan is located at 1 American Avenue,
tel. +374-10-46-47-00 and fax: +374-10-46-47-42. The Consular Section
is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with time reserved for
American citizen services from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except for official U.S. Embassy holidays. For more
information, see the Embassy’s web site at
* * * * * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information dated June 9, 2008 to
update sections on Entry and Exit Requirements, Safety and Security,
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances.