Armenia

U.S. Embassy Yerevan

1 American Avenue
Yerevan 0082, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +(374) 10-464-700
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(374) 10-494-444 and during
business hours (M-F 9:00am-5:30pm) +(374) 10-494-585
Fax: +(374) 10-464-742
Email: ACSyerevan@state.gov

You need a valid passport to enter Armenia. U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 180 days per year. For visits of longer than 180 days, you must apply for a residency permit through the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visit the website of the Embassy of Armenia for the most current visa information.

• Armenian law requires that Armenian citizens, including dual nationals, enter and depart Armenia on Armenian passports. Even if you naturalized in the United States, the Government of Armenia may still consider you an Armenian citizen. Children born in the United States to two Armenian citizens may also be considered Armenian citizens. Please read the information about Armenian citizenship at the website of the Embassy of Armenia and also review the Dual Nationality information in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.
  
• If you possess an Armenian “special passport” (a residency permit), you still need a valid U.S. passport to enter Armenia. Border guards have refused to admit U.S. citizens carrying “special passports.” Please visit the Embassy of Armenia website for further details. 
• Traveling to the region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories via Armenia could make you ineligible to travel to Azerbaijan in the future.

Borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan: Land borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan remain closed and are patrolled by armed troops.

Border with Iran: See the Iran travel advisory. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Iran due to arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. The Department of State maintains its “Do Not Travel” advisory, noting the “very high risk of arrest and detention of U.S. citizens in Iran, particularly U.S.-Iranian dual nationals.”

Russian Arrest Warrants: Armenia routinely shares information about foreign visitors with Russian law enforcement and security services.  U.S. citizens may be detained by Armenian authorities upon entry or exit based on Russia law enforcement or security service information.  Former and current U.S. government and military personnel with prior travel to Russia may face increased scrutiny.

Traveling Through Europe: While Armenia is not located in the Schengen area, many flights to Armenia originate in that area of Europe. If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country.   Review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Armenia.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Natural Disasters: Armenia is prone to earthquakes and landslides.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Area and Conflict:

• The U.S. Government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Casualties continue to occur in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Avoid travel near the conflict zone and line of contact and exercise caution near the Armenia-Azerbaijan international border. Despite the declaration of a cessation in hostilities, the dangers posed by intermittent gunfire, land mines, and poor road conditions continue. Roads near the conflict zone may be controlled by checkpoints and closed to travelers without notice.
• Traveling to Nagorno-Karabakh via Armenia could make you ineligible to travel to Azerbaijan in the future.
• Engaging in commercial activities in Nagorno-Karabakh. For more information regarding such commercial activities, please visit the Country Commercial Guide.

Crime: Crime is relatively low, and violent crime is infrequent. When police are called they routinely show up; however, they generally do not speak English. Vehicle break-ins and theft are rare but are the most common crimes. Police indicate that there is a criminal group in Yerevan that targets foreigners and burglarizes rented apartments when the victims are away.

• Matters involving commercial and investment disputes can take months or years to resolve as they work their way through the civil courts. The U.S.-Armenia Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) provides that in the event of a dispute between an U.S. investor and the Republic of Armenia, the investor may take the case to international arbitration.
  
  
• Credit card fraud and ATM card skimming occurs. See the Department of State and FBI webpages for information on scams.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the U.S. Embassy at (+374) 10-494-585 during business hours and (+ 374) 10-494-444 after hours.

Report crimes and requests for emergency services to local authorities by dialing 911. English speaking operators are available. Also contact the U.S. Embassy to report your situation.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• connect you to assistance for victims of domestic violence
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Local resources for victims of domestic violence include shelters, medical assistance, and legal aid. Victims of domestic violence may contact the Women’s Rights Center at + (374) 10-542-828 or (0800) 80-850, 24 hours a day. The Women’s Support Center at + (374) 099-887-808 provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and the Light House shelter at + (374) 93-327-834; + (374) 43-500-503 or “20-80” provides shelter and support to victims. In cases of sexual violence or domestic violence, victims may contact the Women’s Resource Center at + (374) 077-991-280 and (0800) 01-280, from 9:00 AM to midnight.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders may be unable to access areas at a distance from major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Please review the State Department’s page on Arrests or Detention of U.S Citizens Abroad.  In addition, many people accused of crimes are held in local prisons in pretrial detention for between two and twelve months with the possibility of posting bail while waiting for a court hearing.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

• Possession, trafficking, or the uses of drugs, including marijuana, are illegal. A prescription for medical marijuana will not protect you from prosecution. If you are arrested for a drug offense, you could face detention during the investigation and a prison sentence after conviction. 
• Electronic cigarettes and related paraphernalia may be perceived as drug related.
• Armenia does not allow the import of various psychotropic drugs. Please review Armenia’s rules on medication at the websites for customs and for health.

Customs and Exports:

• Local officials may occasionally seek bribes to perform basic duties.
• Customs authorities may enforce regulations concerning the import/export of items like firearms, pornography, and communications equipment. Please refer to the Armenian Customs Service for further information.
• The export of items of historical value, such as paintings, carpets, and old books, requires advanced authorization from the Armenian Ministry of Culture. Contact the Embassy of Armenia for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also have to pay fines or give up the items if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Dual nationals:

• Armenian legislation permits Armenian citizens to hold dual citizenship. Even if you naturalized in the United States, the Government of Armenia may still consider you an Armenian citizen. Children born in the United States to two Armenian citizens may also be considered Armenian citizens. Please consult the Armenian government’s website on citizenship and read the Armenian law on citizenship.
• Armenian law requires that Armenian citizens enter and depart Armenia on Armenian passports. Individuals who are dual citizens, or could be, should consult with the Embassy of Armenia in Washington prior to traveling.
• Armenian males over the age of 18 are subject to mandatory military service. Penalties for evading military service include jail time and a substantial fine. Young dual-citizen U.S.-Armenian men are advised to consult with the Embassy of Armenia prior to traveling. There have been instances where dual nationals have been detained at the airport upon arrival until they can resolve their military service issues. 

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no antidiscrimination laws protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals in Armenia. There are no hate crime laws or other criminal judicial mechanisms to aid in the prosecution of crimes against members of the LGBTI community. Individuals face the potential of discrimination and harassment by state and private actors. The Department of State’s 2018 Human Rights Report documents that members of the LGBTI community experienced physical violence, threats of violence, blackmail, and harassment. Police were unresponsive to reports of abuses against the community and at times, themselves mistreated LGBTI persons.

See the LGBTI travel information page and section six of the Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Although Armenia signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, Armenian authorities have yet to enforce it. Facilities with accommodations for individuals with disabilities are rare and, in rural areas, usually nonexistent.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Informal taxis or mini buses pose threats to people unfamiliar with local conditions, especially to women traveling alone. There have been occasional reports of taxi drivers sexually harassing single, female travelers. See our travel tips for women travelers.

Outside major cities, medical facilities in Armenia are limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English-speaking doctors. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk from inadequate medical facilities.

For emergency services in Armenia, dial 911.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Armenia.

The risk of diarrheal disease is high throughout Armenia. Food and water precautions are recommended. Additionally, cases of brucellosis from consuming unpasteurized dairy products have been reported.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance

• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons in Armenia. It is typically at its worst in the winter, with smog and particulate pollution in or near cities. Consider the impact air pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Health facilities in general

• Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Adequate health facilities are available in Yerevan and other major cities, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Medical emergency services at Armenian airports are not on par with U.S. airports.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

Pharmaceuticals       

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Armenia Ministry of Health or The National Institute of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Armenia.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Armenia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.
• Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in Armenia. For additional information visit the website of Armenia’s Ministry of Health.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: The information below is provided for general reference only. Road conditions in Armenia differ significantly from those in the United States. Exercise caution when driving in Armenia. Reckless driving is common. Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws.

• Avoid traveling at night due to poor road conditions and limited emergency response resources. Pedestrians often cross dark streets away from designated pedestrian crossings while wearing dark clothing. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving at night outside the city limits of Yerevan.
• Yield to aggressive drivers to reduce your risk of being a victim of aggression. Police may seek bribes during traffic stops.
• Winter travel can be hazardous, especially in mountainous areas.
• Practice defensive driving and watch out for drunk drivers, especially on the weekends.
• Primary roads are frequently in poor condition with stretches of missing pavement and large potholes. Some roads shown as primary roads on maps are unpaved and can narrow to one lane. Maps may be inaccurate.
• Secondary roads are normally in poor condition and are often unpaved. Roads may not have signs. Police and emergency medical services may take a long time to reach remote regions.
• Gasoline quality ranges from good, at reliable stations in cities, to very poor. Do not buy gasoline and other fuels sold out of jars, barrels, and trucks by roadside merchants.
• Drivers licenses from the United States are not valid for driving in Armenia.  For more information, please visit this website.
• Exercise caution on roads near the border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

Traffic Laws: In case of an accident, all vehicles must remain in place and stay until the arrival of the police. Tourists should always carry a copy of their passport.

Driving regulations are often ignored by drivers, and, as a result, accidents are common. The driving culture is aggressive. Pedestrians and bicycles may not be granted the right of way.

Public Transportation: Public transportation, while inexpensive, may be unreliable and uncomfortable. Sexual assaults have been reported on public transportation. Minibuses are dangerous, overcrowded, poorly maintained, lack seatbelts, and are frequently involved in accidents. Traveling by local unregistered taxis without meters can also prove difficult if a price is not negotiated ahead of time.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Armenia’s national tourist office website and national authority responsible for road safety.

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 the government of Armenia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.