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. In 2016, large scale ceasefire violations along the Nagorno-Karabakh Line of Contact broke out, resulting in casualties among both Armenian and Azeri soldiers. 

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 4-5 weeks prior to departing for Armenia.

Travellers should have vaccinations for influenza, chickenpox, polio, MMR, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus - diphtheria (DPT). Typhoid vaccination is recommended, particularly for travellers eating and travelling outside of the main urban centre.

Malaria, having not been reported in Armenia since the 1940s, recurred in the 1990s following the dissolution of the former Soviet Union and the war with Azerbaijan. There is no risk of malaria in the areas of Armenia frequented by tourists; risk is greatest in the Masis district, with peak transmission occurring between June to October. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended only for travel to the Ararat Valley in the Ararat and Artashat region near Armenia’s border with Turkey in the west.

Although no cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) have been reported in Armenia, there were human fatalities in Agri Province, Eastern Turkey – approximately 80 km (49.7 miles) from the border -- in January 2006. Travellers to Armenia are advised to avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms and to ensure that poultry and egg dishes are cooked thoroughly.

Visitors are advised to avoid drinking tap water, with bottled water a safer alternative. Ice cubes should be avoided, and vegetables and fruits should be peeled and /or cooked before being eaten.

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 no longer 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.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/