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Armenia
Country Specific Information
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June 09, 2008
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 for a stay of up to 21 days online at http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am/ for the fee of USD 60. 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. 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 Embassy of
Armenia’s web site at http://www.armeniaemb.org for the most current visa information.
See more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction on our web site. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.
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, reports of intermittent gunfire along the cease-fire line and along the border
with Azerbaijan continue. 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 presidential elections turned violent. Clashes between government security
forces and opposition demonstrators resulted in dozens of casualties, including 10 fatalities, in early March 2008. Tensions
between the government and opposition remain unresolved, and the possibility of further clashes remains. Americans should
be mindful that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful could turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American
citizens are therefore 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 20 kilometers southwest of Yerevan. The plant was closed temporarily in 1988 following
a devastating earthquake, but reopened in 1995. 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, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov 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 pamphlet 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. In May 2004, an American citizen was murdered in Yerevan;
the crime remains unsolved. 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 nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate 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.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Armenia is: 101-Fire emergency, 102- Police emergency services, 103- Medical
emergency, 104-Gas leak.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
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.
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 hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
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 Lievan 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.
Though crime along roadways is rare, the police themselves 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 http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/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,
D.C. or Consulate General in Los Angeles for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Please see our Customs Information.
Dual Nationals: Recent 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
http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am.
Compulsory 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. Since the summer of 2005, 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, by law, 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, phone: +374-10 561383), Gyumri (68 Shirakatsi Street, phone:
+374-312 22153), Vanadzor (25, Vardanants Street, phone: +374-322-21672, and Kapan (6, Shahumyan Street, phone: +374-0285-22151).
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. 011 (37410) 46-47-00 and fax: 011 (37410) 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
http://yerevan.usembassy.gov/.
* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information dated August 31, 2007 to update sections on Entry and Exit Requirements, Crime,
Special Circumstances, and Registration/Embassy Location.
