{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711395058,"date":"2024-03-25 15:30:58"}},"data":{"country-iso":"AM","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Armenia","url-slug":"armenia","geo-group":"Europe","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 13, 2024 14:09 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)","recent-updates":"Health \u2013 editorial update","advisories":"
Take normal security precautions<\/a> in Armenia<\/p><\/div> Avoid all travel<\/a> to to the following areas due to the volatile security environment and the risk of armed conflict: <\/p><\/div> Avoid non-essential travel<\/a> to within 1 km of the border with the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan due to the risk of armed clashes.<\/p> <\/p><\/div>","security":" The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services in areas along the international borders with Azerbaijan is extremely limited.<\/p> The security environment remains highly volatile at the eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.<\/p> There have been periodic outbreaks of violence in these areas for several decades and, while there have been no major incidents since Azerbaijan’s military operations in September 2023, tensions remain heightened. As part of the ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there are also occasional ceasefire violations and clashes on the Nakhchivan border.<\/p> All border crossings into Azerbaijan are closed and the border is heavily militarized.<\/p> Armed clashes occur occasionally at multiple points along the international border, including near the following Armenian cities:<\/p> Border areas with Azerbaijan are subject to extremely dangerous military activities, such as:<\/p> If you choose to travel near the border with Azerbaijan despite this advisory:<\/p> The land border between Türkiye and Armenia is closed.<\/p> The border crossing near the Armenian town of Meghri is the only official access to Iran from Armenia.<\/p> Russian border guards are present along the border and have set up several checkpoints to deter smuggling and other illegal activities into Armenia from Iran. <\/p> Iran’s military occasionally conducts operations in the area.<\/p> Pickpocketing, mugging, purse snatching and theft from cars and homes occur.<\/p> During your stay:<\/p> Police officers don’t regularly patrol streets and response may take longer than expected.<\/p> There is a low threat of terrorism in Armenia, but attacks could occur at any time.<\/p> In 2022, there have been bomb alerts in Yerevan targeting:<\/p> Targets could also include:<\/p> In the event of a bomb alert:<\/p> Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending:<\/p> Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Yerevan and the vicinity of institutional buildings, and are mostly peaceful.<\/p> In 2022, large-scale demonstrations took place in several cities across Armenia over the government’s posture toward Azerbaijan after the Nagorno-Karabakh war. They have led to acts of vandalism and violent clashes amongst demonstrators and with security forces in certain places. <\/ins><\/ins><\/p> Further demonstrations are likely.<\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Road conditions have improved in recent years in Yerevan and on main roads. Roads in rural areas are poorly maintained and dangerous due to:<\/p> Emergency services may take a long time to reach you if you’re involved in an accident outside of urban areas. You must have a warning triangle in your car at all times in case of an emergency.<\/p> Roads in Armenia<\/a> – Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia<\/p> Drivers are often distracted, frequently break traffic regulations, drive at excessive speeds and lack driving skills.<\/p> Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.<\/p> Driving under the influence of alcohol is common, especially on weekends.<\/p> U-turns and lane changes without warning occur frequently.<\/p> If you’re driving in Armenia:<\/p> Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.<\/p> Be careful when using debit or credit cards:<\/p> There have been reports of foreigners being pickpocketed or forced to pay the bill by friendly strangers who:<\/p> While travelling:<\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, kayaking, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.<\/p> Tour operators may not meet international standards.<\/p> If you are participating in adventure tourism:<\/p> Taxis are widely available in Yerevan, but vehicles are often in poor condition and don't always have standard security features like seatbelts.<\/p> Most taxi drivers:<\/p> <\/p> There are several mobile applications on which you can order taxis with safer vehicles and fixed fares.<\/p> If you choose to take a taxi:<\/p> Trains operate in Armenia, but mainly serve destinations in the north of the country. Be careful when travelling by train as wagons are often overcrowded and not always well-maintained.<\/p> When travelling outside of Yerevan, avoid using minibuses called \"Marshrutka\".<\/p> Drivers are reckless and are often involved in accidents. The vehicles are overcrowded and not always equipped with seatbelts.<\/p> Petty crimes such as theft occur, and drivers may overcharge you.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the Armenian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Armenia.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: required You must obtain a visa before departure either from:<\/p> Apply for an e-visa<\/a> - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia<\/p> If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, you might be required to enter and exit Armenia on an Armenian passport. Contact the nearest Armenian diplomatic office to confirm this information.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/details> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions<\/a>, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.<\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Travellers' diarrhea<\/a> is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.<\/p>\n Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.<\/p>\n The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.<\/p><\/details> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Tuberculosis<\/a> is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.<\/p>\n For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.<\/p>\n Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.<\/p>\n High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.<\/p><\/details> Adequate medical services and facilities are available in Yerevan. Outside Yerevan, medical personnel, services and facilities are limited and may not offer the level of care you may be used to in Canada.<\/p> Medical professionals may require cash payments before providing care, even if you have travel insurance that covers hospital stays.<\/p> Serious medical cases may require evacuation to a country equipped with adequate facilities.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> Some prescription medication may not be available in Armenia.<\/p> If you are taking prescription medication, you must verify its legality.<\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Canada and Armenia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Armenia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Armenia authorities.<\/p> This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.<\/p> There are severe penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis.<\/p> You could face:<\/p> There is zero tolerance and severe penalties for drinking and driving in Armenia.<\/p> The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%.<\/p> If you’re convicted of drunk driving, you could face jail sentences.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> It is illegal to takes photographs or videos near sensitive areas along the border of Armenia, including:<\/p> This prohibition also applies to drones.<\/p> You need an international driving permit or an Armenian driver’s license to drive in Armenia.<\/p> Car insurance is mandatory in Armenia.<\/p> International Driving Permit<\/a><\/p> You must obtain permission from Armenian authorities prior to importing certain goods and products, including:<\/p> The import and export of cultural and historical items is also regulated. This includes:<\/p> Armenian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex. <\/p> However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. <\/p><\/div> <\/p> Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics<\/a><\/p> <\/p> Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Armenia.<\/p> If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry\/exit requirements<\/a>.<\/p> Travellers with dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> Canadian-Armenian citizens may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes and military service. Check your status with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada. Authorities may detain dual nationals who try to avoid military service and face large fines or imprisonment.<\/p> The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Armenia.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Armenia by an abducting parent:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD).<\/p> Some ATMs may not accept foreign bank cards. You can make withdrawals at bank counters using your passport as identification. Most banks do not accept traveler's cheques and treasury bills. <\/p> You must declare all foreign currency in your possession exceeding 10,000 USD or its equivalent:<\/p> Foreign currency declarations apply to:<\/p> If you’re travelling with bearer securities in your possession, you must declare it to customs officials regardless of its value.<\/p>","disasters-climate":" Armenia’s climate is continental, and temperatures vary geographically. In Yerevan, summers are hot and winters are mild.<\/p> A vast portion of the territory is at an altitude of 1000m above sea level where temperatures are lower than in the capital and rainfall more frequent.<\/p> Armenia is located in an active seismic zone. Although no major events have occurred in recent years, an earthquake could strike at any time.<\/p>Eastern border with Azerbaijan - Avoid all travel<\/h3>
Border with the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakchivan - Avoid non-essential travel<\/h3>
Border areas<\/h3>
Azerbaijan<\/h4>
Türkiye<\/h4>
Iran<\/h4>
Crime<\/h3>
Petty crime<\/h4>
Terrorism<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Road conditions<\/h4>
Driving habits<\/h4>
Women’s safety<\/h3>
Fraud<\/h3>
Tourist scams<\/h4>
Adventure tourism<\/h3>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Taxi<\/h4>
Train<\/h4>
Buses<\/h4>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Transit visa: required
Business visa: required<\/p>Dual citizenship<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Travellers' diarrhea<\/summary>
Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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Tuberculosis<\/summary>
Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Medication<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Transfer to a Canadian prison<\/h3>
Drugs<\/b><\/h3>
Drinking and driving<\/h4>
Photography<\/h3>
Driving<\/h3>
Imports and exports
<\/del><\/h3>Useful links<\/h4>
2SLGBTQI+ persons<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
National obligations<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Money<\/h3>
Earthquakes<\/h3>