Armenia travel advice

Travel Summary

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
  
  
• 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 has been 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• British citizens should avoid locations where demonstrations may take place. If it is necessary to be in the vicinity of a demonstration or gatherings, you should exercise vigilance and caution at all times. See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We advise all British citizens travelling in or living in Armenia to register with the FCO via the Locate online registration service at https://www.locate.fco.gov.uk/locateportal/. We would be grateful for any assistance registered British citizens could provide in making other Britons aware of the Locate service if they have not registered.
  
  
• We are aware of a very few British nationals who required consular assistance in Armenia in 2007. You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times.
  
  
• We 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.

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 have been occasional shooting incidents, chiefly related to organised crime. Although tourists and foreigners 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

Armenia Country Profile

Presidential elections in February 2008 were followed by street protests ending in violence between demonstrators and security forces on 1 March 2008, leaving ten dead. This was followed by a State of Emergency. Armenian politics have remained polarised since the March 2008 crisis, with continuing political tensions.

There continue to be small opposition gatherings at the north end of Northern Avenue, central Yerevan, on a regular basis. These gatherings often experience tensions with the police. We expect these to continue.

In general, there is an ongoing risk of political demonstrations in central Yerevan and in other cities and towns.

In the context of the current heightened political tension, we advise British citizens to avoid the area of known demonstrations, large gatherings of people and other locations where demonstrations may take place. If it is necessary to be in the vicinity of a demonstration or gatherings, we urge you to exercise vigilance and caution at all times. Demonstrations or gatherings can attract large numbers, and even if intended to be peaceful could turn confrontational.

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, some skirmishes, 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 close to the border with Azerbaijan, particularly the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunic regions, where there have been some 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 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.

For 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. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (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. An investigation concluded poor aircraft maintenance was to blame.

For more general information see Airline Security.

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.

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 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 common in Armenian culture, and 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.

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: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Armenia. If you use a credit card you can get your visa in two days. E-visas currently can be validated 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 or straightforward ailments.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,400 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 the National Travel Health Network and Centre (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.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

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 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.

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.