Summary
- We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions in Armenia.
- In 2010 and 2011, the US Government warned its citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe, including on public transport and tourist infrastructure. A number of terrorist attacks on passenger railway systems, aviation interests, including passenger terminals, and other places frequented by travellers have occurred in Europe. In recent years these types of attacks have occurred in Moscow, London, Madrid and Glasgow. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services recently, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking such locations.
- Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
- You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
- We strongly advise you not to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the military occupied area surrounding it because of the risk of armed conflict along the border and ceasefire line with Azerbaijan.
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Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Armenia. The
Australian Embassy in Russia
provides consular assistance to Australians in Armenia.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details , so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Australian citizens require a visa to enter Armenia. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Armenia or the Armenia Foreign Ministry , or email: info@armeniaforeignministry.com well in advance of travel for the most up-to-date information.
If travelling to Armenia by train from Tbilisi, Georgia, you must have a valid visa before boarding the train.
Safety and security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .
In 2010 and 2011, the US Government warned its citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe, including on public transport and tourist infrastructure. A number of terrorist attacks on passenger railway systems, aviation interests, including passenger terminals, and other places frequented by travellers have occurred in Europe. In recent years these types of attacks have occurred in Moscow, London, Madrid and Glasgow. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services recently, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking such locations.
Civil unrest/political tension
You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Political events and significant anniversaries may prompt demonstrations.
Nagorno-Karabakh: We strongly advise you not to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the military occupied area surrounding it because of the unstable security situation. Possession of the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armed conflict broke out there in 1988. Although a 1994 ceasefire still holds, occasional shooting continues along the border and ceasefire line in the Tavush and Gegharkunic regions. Vehicles travelling along the road from Kayan or Ijevan to Noyemberyan are particularly vulnerable. The conflict zone is bordered with landmines.
Crime
We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions in Armenia.
Pick pocketing, petty crime and theft from vehicles are common. Robberies have been reported on train services from Armenia to Georgia.
There have been reports of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police or other local officials.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Armenia is predominantly a cash economy and travellers' cheques are rarely accepted.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
Armenia's land borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed. There are direct flights operating between Yerevan and Istanbul. Travel in the South Caucasus can be difficult and requires careful planning.
Driving in Armenia may be dangerous due to local driving practices, poorly maintained roads and vehicles, and inadequate road signs. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety .
Public transport is overcrowded and poorly maintained. Minibuses are particularly dangerous and are frequently involved in accidents. Train services are unreliable.
Armenian emergency, police and medical services may take some time to reach remote regions.
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Armenia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter .
You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times. The police have the right to stop you to check your documents.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
It is prohibited to photograph military installations, government buildings, monuments and uniformed officials. Local authorities may apply other restrictions or fees to photography in public places.
Homosexuality is not illegal, but is not widely accepted in Armenian society.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Information for dual nationals
In 2005 Armenian law on citizenship was amended to permit dual nationality. Armenian authorities require Armenian citizens to enter and exit using their Armenian passports. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Armenian dual nationals. Male Australian/Armenian dual nationals are required to complete national service obligations if they visit Armenia. Armenian citizenship laws may apply to a child born to parents who hold Armenian citizenship at the time of birth, regardless of the place of birth. If in doubt, check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Armenia well in advance of travel.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Health
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see the WHO website .
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities and care is generally limited, especially outside of the capital Yerevan. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation (at considerable cost) to a destination with the appropriate medical facilities would be necessary.
Malaria is a risk in the western border areas of Armenia. Other insect-borne diseases are also a risk to travellers. We encourage you to take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, typhoid, hepatitis, and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website . For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza .
Where to get help
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Armenia. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Russia:
Australian Embassy
Podkolokolny Pereulok 10a/2,
Moscow, RUSSIA
Telephone: +7 (495) 956-6070
Facsimile: +7 (495) 956-6170
Website:
www.russia.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Armenia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate . The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the above Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Armenia is in an active earthquake zone. Landslides may occur.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For Parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
Children travelling alone or with one parent/guardian will require a letter of consent for travel signed by both parents.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .
