Europe
Armenia
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Still current at: 25 July 2008
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Updated: 07 July 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Political Situation section (removal of reference to the rally in central Yerevan on 4 July). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
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Travel Summary
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We advise against all but essential travel near the border with Azerbaijan due to the unresolved dispute over Nagorno Karabakh. This particularly covers the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunic regions, where there is sporadic gunfire. In Tavush Marz we specifically advise against travel on the road from Ijevan to Noyemberyan, which passes close to the border and military emplacements, and on the roads beyond Berd.
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There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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Presidential elections in February 2008 were followed by street protests ending in violence on 1 March 2008, followed by a 20-day State of Emergency. Since the end of the State of Emergency there have been no further disturbances, but in the context of continuing heightened political tension, there is an ongoing risk of political demonstrations in central Yerevan and in other cities and towns. Whilst in Armenia you should exercise caution, listen to local news and avoid any demonstrations and large crowds.
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We are aware of a very few British nationals who required consular assistance in Armenia in 2007.
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You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification.
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We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) page of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Crime, especially violent crime, remains relatively low in Armenia. But there are incidents of pickpocketing, bag snatching, theft from cars and burglary involving British or other foreign nationals. There are occasional incidents of drive-by shootings on busy thorough fares. Although tourists and westerners were not targeted, there is a risk of being caught up in such events and you should remain vigilant at all times.
You should not carry your passport, credit card, travel tickets and money together.
We advise you to leave spare cash, passports and valuables in a safe place.
We also advise that you take the same personal safety precautions on the street and when using ATMs as you would in the UK. Take particular care if using them after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
Fore more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Presidential election in February 2008 were followed by street protests ending in violence between demonstrators and security forces on 1 March 2008, leaving eight dead. This was followed by a 20-day State of Emergency.
Since the end of the State of Emergency there have been no further disturbances, but in the context of continuing heightened political tension, there is an ongoing risk of political demonstrations in central Yerevan and in other cities and towns. Whilst in Armenia you should exercise caution, listen to local news and avoid any demonstrations and large crowds.The dispute over Nagorno Karabakh remains unresolved. The British Embassy cannot provide consular assistance to you if you are in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Although a ceasefire has been in place since May 1994, the borders between Azerbaijan and both Armenia and Armenian occupied territory remain closed. There are no peacekeeping forces separating the two sides. There are regular exchanges of sniper fire and the border areas contain mines and unexploded ordnance. Any foreigners venturing within five kilometres of these borders are liable to be stopped by the police or the military.
Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel near the border of Azerbaijan, particularly the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunic regions, where there have been reports of sporadic gunfire. We specifically advise against all travel on the road from Ijevan to Noyemberyan, which passes close to the border and military emplacements, where there have also been some recent reports of sporadic gunfire. If travelling between Armenia and Georgia we advise you to use one of the routes further west, or through the Lori region.
The land border with Turkey is also closed, but there are now direct flights four times a week from Yerevan to Istanbul with Armavia and Fly Air. Travelling within the South Caucasus can be difficult and needs careful planning.
Road Travel
You are permitted to drive in Armenia on an International driving licence. The local standard of driving is poor. If you plan to drive in Armenia, you should be prepared for drivers who drive recklessly and flout traffic laws. The roads are also in a poor state, particularly in the coldest months (November to February). If you are walking, you should be careful when crossing roads and use subways where available.
Fore more general information see Driving Abroad.
Rail Travel
Public transport is often overcrowded and poorly maintained. If you have to travel by train, secure your valuables, do not leave the compartment unattended, and lock the door from the inside.
If your are travelling by rail from Tbilisi you should ensure that you have a valid visa for Armenia before you board the train.
Air Travel
Evidence suggests that some airlines serving Armenia do not always comply with international safety standards in respect of maintenance procedures. FCO staff have therefore been advised to avoid flying with non-scheduled or non-international airlines from Armenia if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists.
Western airlines currently serving Armenia are BMI, Czech Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France and Austrian Airlines.
A Canadian-built CRJ-100, operated by the Belarussian state airline Belavia, crashed shortly after taking off from Yerevan airport on 14 February 2008. There were no fatalities. The causes are currently being investigated. Initial findings suggest poor aircraft maintenance was to blame.
Local laws and customs
Armenia is a Christian country and women can usually dress in normal western-style clothing. Outside the capital people are more conservative and inappropriate dress will attract attention.
You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times.
You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times.
The use of illegal drugs carries stiff administrative and criminal penalties, including fines and long prison terms. The penalty for smuggling drugs carries a prison term of between four to ten years.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in August 2003 but is still an unacceptable lifestyle for the majority of Armenians. We advise gay or lesbian travellers to exercise discretion on visits to Armenia. Although you will see men (and women) holding hands and kissing in public, this is not necessarily an indicator of sexual orientation.
You should refrain from photographing sites such as military bases, equipment and installations in whatever condition. These are considered sensitive areas and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to photograph them.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
All visitors to Armenia require a visa. It is possible to get one on arrival at the airport or the main land border crossings of Bagratashen (coming from Georgia) and Meghri (coming from Iran). You can also apply for an e-visa via the Internet on website: http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am. If you use a credit card you can get your visa in two days. E-visas currently can be stamped at Yerevan's Zvarnots airport only.
If you are arriving by rail from Tbilisi you should ensure that you have a valid visa for Armenia before boarding.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Armenian Embassy in London.
Health
Medical facilities are generally poor and treatment is not recommended for anything other than minor ailments.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,900 adults aged 15 or over in Armenia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Armenia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
There have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Armenia. But the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region. There were human fatalities in Agri Province, Eastern Turkey in January 2006. This outbreak occurred approximately 80 km from Yerevan. You can view the Turkey travel advice.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Natural Disasters
Armenia is in an active seismic zone. The most recent earthquake, in 1988, was centred near Spitak in the Lori region in the north, killing between 25,000 and 50,000 people, injuring thousands and leaving several cities in ruins.
General
Insurance
You are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive medical as well as travel insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical air evacuation in the event of serious injury or illness. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Issuing replacement passports
The British Embassy in Yerevan does not issue passports. You should therefore ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages. Applications for new passports are accepted in Yerevan for forwarding to the British Embassy in Moscow for processing, but this may take up to six weeks.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Telephone communications
Communication by telephone and e-mail can sometimes be difficult especially in the regions. You should ensure that family/friends who expect regular contact are aware of this to avoid unnecessary worry.
Communication by telephone and e-mail can sometimes be difficult especially in the regions. You should ensure that family/friends who expect regular contact are aware of this to avoid unnecessary worry.
Money
Major credit cards and UK debit cards displaying the Maestro and/or Cirrus sign are accepted at major stores in Yerevan but far less acceptable outside of the city. Prices for goods and services are often quoted in US Dollars. But by law, payment must be made in Armenian Dram. There are many bank cash dispensers in Yerevan, including several operated by HSBC. The ATMs accept major credit cards and debit cards with the Maestro and/or Cirrus sign displayed on the card and ATM.
Major credit cards and UK debit cards displaying the Maestro and/or Cirrus sign are accepted at major stores in Yerevan but far less acceptable outside of the city. Prices for goods and services are often quoted in US Dollars. But by law, payment must be made in Armenian Dram. There are many bank cash dispensers in Yerevan, including several operated by HSBC. The ATMs accept major credit cards and debit cards with the Maestro and/or Cirrus sign displayed on the card and ATM.
Travel advice for this country
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contacts
Armenia, Yerevan, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
34 Baghramyan Avenue
375019
Telephone:
(374) (10) 264 301
Fax:
(374) (10) 264 318
Office hours:
Apr-Oct; Mon-Fri: 0400-0800 and 0900-1200 (GMT)
Nov-Mar; Mon-Fri: 0500-0900 and 1000-1300 (GMT)
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00 (Local)
Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/armenia