Travel.State.Gov >
International Travel > Learn About Your Destination > Armenia International Travel Information
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed and “Do Not Travel” areas updated.
Exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
Following the September 13-15, 2022 military actions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of shelling inside Armenia, U.S. Embassy employees and their families were prohibited from any non-essential travel to select areas along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Following a June 2023 review of current threat levels, the U.S. Embassy has eased select travel restrictions. U.S. Embassy Employees and their families remain prohibited from any non-essential travel to the following areas:
Country Summary:
Until September 2020, the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other territories internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan were under Armenian-control. In connection with seven weeks of armed hostilities over Nagorno-Karabakh in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan took control over the seven territories, as well as parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. While the November 2020 ceasefire arrangement has largely held, military actions along the border occur on a regular basis. From September 13-15, 2022 military actions took place along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, which included damage to Armenian towns near the border.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Armenia.
If you decide to travel to Armenia:
Border with Azerbaijan – Level 4: Do Not Travel
There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s 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. The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region, as well as other areas of Armenia listed above.
Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh due to landmine contamination and restricted access.
Must be valid at time of entry and departure
No requirement
None for U.S. Citizens staying for less than 180 days per year
None
$10,000 USD
$10,000 USD
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.
Borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan: Land borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan remain closed and are patrolled by armed troops. There are intermittent armed hostilities on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
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.
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:
Natural Disasters: Armenia is prone to earthquakes and landslides.
The Nagorno-Karabakh Area and Conflict:
Following armed hostilities in the fall of 2020 and fall of 2023, Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh. Further military activity could occur in the region.
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.
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.
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:
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.
Customs and Exports:
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:
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no antidiscrimination laws protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals in Armenia. There are no hate crime laws or other criminal judicial mechanisms to aid in the prosecution of crimes against LGBTQI+ persons. Individuals face the potential of discrimination and harassment by state and private actors. The Department of State’s Human Rights Report documents that LGBTQI+ persons experienced physical violence, threats of violence, blackmail, and harassment. Police were unresponsive to reports of abuse against LGBTQI+ individuals and at times, themselves mistreated LGBTQI+ persons.
See the LGBTQI+ 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
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
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
Pharmaceuticals
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy
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.
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.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Armenia. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit: