Armenia

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Protests and demonstrations can occur in Yerevan, Gyumri and other major cities. They are generally peaceful, but can escalate.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid the affected areas
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Conflict zones

Regular armed clashes occur in:

• the 5km buffer zone between the closed Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the ceasefire line
• the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh and its surrounding military zone

We can only give limited consular help to Australians in 'Do not travel' areas.

Conflicts in both these areas have caused several deaths and injuries. Unmarked landmines are also present.

Cars and other vehicles on the roads from Kayan and Ijevan to Noyemberyan can be attacked.

The enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh is unsafe. Armenia disputes Azerbaijan's control of this region. The surrounding military zone is also unsafe.

A ceasefire in place since 1994 has been broken several times. In April 2016, dozens of people died in serious armed clashes.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft from cars, is common. Be careful on trains to and from Georgia.

Travellers have reported harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• look after your belongings, particularly in crowded places
• always lock your car doors
• park your car in a secure facility if possible
• monitor local media for crime news

Armenia is in an active earthquake zone. Landslides may occur.

To protect yourself if there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

This advice pre-dates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

If you choose to travel despite our advice, get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before travelling, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health (World Health Organization)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some sleeping tablets and medications containing codeine are controlled in Armenia.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Armenia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

You may be fined or jailed if you have restricted medication. 

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Armenia. Monitor the media for information on latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities. 

More information:

• COVID-19 (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Australian Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Smartraveller)

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) is a risk in Armenia. Take precautions if your engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Medical facilities

Standards in public hospitals are basic, especially outside Yerevan.

If you become ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Local law

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Always carry a copy of your passport. Police can stop you to check your documents.

It's illegal to take photos of:

• government or military sites
• monuments
• officers in uniform

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Armenia recognises dual nationality.

Any child born to an Armenian parent is automatically an Armenian national. This is regardless of their place of birth.

Ask the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about citizenship laws.

If you're a dual national, you must enter and exit the country using your Armenian passport. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

If you're a male dual citizen aged 18 to 27, you could be subject to military service in Armenia. Check with the nearest embassy or consulate of Armenia well before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal, but aren't widely accepted.

Discrimination against the LGBTI community is widespread. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

Visitor visas

You don't need a visa for Armenia if you're staying for up to 180 days or less.

If you're staying longer than 180 days, you must also register with the police.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions, such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations, can change at short notice. To get the latest details, contact either:

• the nearest embassy or consulate of Armenia
• the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Armenia has declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

Some lockdown restrictions are easing, pre-schools/kindergartens, restaurants, cafes, public transport, gyms and shopping centres are now open. Schools and universities remain closed. It is mandatory to wear a mask in any public space. You're no longer required to carry a document for permitted movement or your passport when travelling outside. 

Foreign nationals are currently banned from entering. This ban excludes family members of Armenian citizens, those with a right to reside in Armenia and diplomats.

Options to depart Armenia are limited.

If you're staying in Armenia:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19
• ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay
• keep in contact with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.

Strict rules apply to the import and export of:

• antiques
• firearms
• pornographic material
• communication equipment
• cash amounts over USD10,000

You need approval from the Armenian Ministry of Culture to export antiques or other items that could have historical value. This includes paintings, old books and carpets.

Keep receipts for all items. You may need to show them to customs officials when you leave.

More information:

• Armenian Customs Service (Armenian)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Armenian Dram (AMD).

Strict rules apply to importing and exporting cash amounts over USD10,000 (or equivalent).

US dollars and euros can be exchanged at banks.

ATMs and credit card facilities are available in Yerevan, but are less common outside major towns.

More information:

• Armenian Customs Service (Armenian)

Armenia's land borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed. Travel in the region can be difficult. You'll need to plan ahead.

Driving permit

To drive in Armenia you need both:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a valid Australian driver's licence

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

Road travel

You're 3 times more likely to die in a car accident in Armenia than in Australia.

Driving in Armenia can be dangerous. Common dangers include:

• roads and vehicles in poor condition
• few road signs
• drivers who ignore traffic signals and rules
• drivers who don't give way to pedestrians
• pedestrians who cross roads without warning

Check your travel insurance will cover you for driving.

Make sure you understand local road rules.

The main road between Armenia and Georgia (Yerevan-Vanadzor-Alaverdi-Bagratashen) is closed. Get local advice on different routes.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Use registered taxis and authorised limousines.

Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you. Don't hail taxis in the street. 

Sit in the back seat.

Public transport

Public transport is overcrowded and isn't well-maintained. Minibuses are dangerous. They're often involved in accidents.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Armenia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• tour operator
• airline

Fire and rescue

Call 101.

Medical emergencies

Call 103.

Police

Call 102 or contact the nearest police station.

Call 112 or 911 for the emergency hotline.

Armenian emergency services may take a long time to reach remote regions.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your service provider with complaints about a tourist service or product.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Armenia.

Contact the Australian Embassy in Russia for consular assistance.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

Podkolokolny Pereulok 10a/2,
Moscow
Russia
Phone: +7 495 956 6070
Fax: +7 495 956 6170
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @PosolAustralia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia