Armenien

Översikt

Mass anti-government protests in Armenia between March and April 2018 brought the nation to a standstill and forced the collapse of the Republic Party that had controlled the government since 1999. Diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region is the key issue challenging Armenia’s foreign relations. The militarised border periodically witnesses skirmishes between armed forces and exchanges of gunfire that kill several soldiers per year. On 27 September 2020, a major war broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan forces. The violence only ended following a Russian-brokered peace deal that saw Yerevan agreeing to significant territorial concessions in the disputed region. While Russian peacekeepers have been deployed to the new Line of Contact for at least five years, sporadic skirmishes remain possible along the border regions with Azerbaijan. Following the ceasefire agreement, the stability of the government is also in question as major civil unrest has erupted across the country. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Armenia. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Malaria, having not been reported in Armenia since the 1960s, recurred in the 1990s largely due to the difficult economic situation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Armenia attained malaria free status in 2011. There is risk of malaria in some of the villages in Ararat Valley, particularly in Masis, Ararat and Artashat regions, with peak transmission occurring between June to October.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers should apply caution when purchasing food and beverages, and be mindful that standards outside of the main hotels may deteriorate.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Armenia.

Medical facilities in Armenia are generally considered to be poor, and medical treatment in Armenia is not recommended for anything other than minor health problems. Services outside of the capital will be extremely limited. Medical staff are not as well trained as staff in Western countries, and supplies and equipment are limited and outdated.

Travellers with specific medical needs are advised to bring their own medicines, with all packaging clearly labelled and sealed. A letter from the appropriate physician should also accompany any medical products. Travel insurance is strongly recommended as serious medical conditions are likely to necessitate air evacuation.

Pass

Travellers are required to have a passport that is valid for six months after the date of departure from Armenia.

Travellers to Armenia by rail from Tbilisi should acquire an Armenian passport before arriving in the country.

Visum

British and EU passport holders do not require a visa to visit Armenia. The entrance stamp is valid for a period of 90 days only. Visas may be acquired at local Armenian Embassies, from the website of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or upon arrival at the Armenian border at Bagratashen (coming from Georgia) and Meghri (coming from Iran). Visas may also be obtained upon arrival at international airport within Armenia.

CIS nationals may stay in Armenia for up to 90 days without a visa.

A 10,000 AMD air departure tax must be paid when flying out of Armenia.

Travellers travelling to Armenia by rail from Tbilisi, Georgia will need to disembark at a border checkpoint and purchase a visa (for those applicable). Depenind on the duration of the stay, visas between USD 6-30. The visa can also be purchased online in advance of a trip.