Published: December 6, 2024
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Armenia Travel Advisory and Armenia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Yerevan
1 American Ave., Yerevan
Tel: +374 (10) 46-47-00; After-Hours Emergencies: +374 (10) 49-44-44
Hours: 0900 – 1800, Monday – Friday.
OSAC Country Chapter
Armenia has an active OSAC Country Chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Armenia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. Do not travel to the border region with Azerbaijan. There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan and 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 parts of the border region.
Crime
Armenia is generally safe and relatively free of random acts of violent crime. The overall crime rate throughout the country is lower than those of the United States and many Western European countries. Crimes committed against U.S. nationals remain relatively infrequent; most involve petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins to steal objects left in plain sight). Violent crimes do occur, though the U.S. Embassy does not receive many reports of such crimes involving U.S. nationals. Vehicle break-ins and theft are rare but are the most common crimes. Although organized crime does exist, it is not a significant threat to U.S. nationals or interests.
There are no specific areas that are off limits for U.S. government personnel in Armenia due to criminality.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Armenia.
In 2024, there was a kidnapping of a U.S. citizen for ransom. The Armenian police were quick and effective in their reaction. It is the only reported case involving a U.S. citizen since 2014. Though rare, when criminally oriented kidnappings take place, they usually only last for a short duration.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Yerevan as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Armenia.
While there is a heightened risk of terrorism in Europe, there is no recent history of terrorism in Armenia. Attacks cannot be ruled out, and travelers should be vigilant. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, they target unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, etc.); hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; shopping malls and markets; and public transportation systems including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Yerevan as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Armenia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in November 2023, protests against the loss of the land and the proceeding border delimitation discussions brought people to the streets. The government and security forces responded in an effective manner that allowed for peaceful protests to continue with a minimal number of direct confrontations between police and protestors.
Elections are currently scheduled for the summer of 2026. Times around elections are known to lead to increased protest activity.
Protests & Demonstrations
Armenia has an active and vibrant opposition that has traditionally expressed itself through protests. While Armenia's constitution guarantees the right to free assembly, organized protesters are required to receive permission from the respective municipality in advance of a gathering or march. Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.
Protests typically take place in downtown Yerevan, in the area between the government buildings at Republic Square and Liberty Square, as well as Parliament and the President's residence/office on Baghramian street. At times, protesters have acted violently, including using force against at police officers. Police have also used disproportionate force in dispersing and detaining protesters. Following the return of four border villages to Azerbaijan in April 2024, protestors demanding the resignation of Armenia’s prime minister blocked main streets in Yerevan and other parts of the country and sporadically clashed with police. Protests continued through May and June.
Protests also occur outside the capital, most often in the country’s second and third cities, Gyumri and Vanadzor, and typically in protest of government policies or actions. Smaller protests, usually around economic issues, take place around the country, with local residents typically blocking major roads to garner attention. In 2016, residents of Garni blocked the road to protest the construction of an irrigation canal; residents of Ararat Valley blocked the main north-south highway to protest lack of payment for their grape harvest; and residents of a small village in Syunik Governorate blocked the highway as a show of support for the armed group that seized the police station. Small groups of protesters have also blocked the entry to an internationally owned gold mine in Vayots Dzor Marz. These standoffs typically resolve themselves through the direct negotiation of a government official or when protestors disperse for the evening.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Armenians are generally friendly and welcoming to U.S. citizens.
Law Enforcement
The national police force is spread throughout the country’s ten districts. It maintains public order and responds to and investigates general crimes. The newly formed Patrol Police are the street police that respond to all immediate emergency calls. They are responsible for patrolling and all traffic incidents.
The National Security Service (NSS) is the government’s domestic security as well as domestic and international intelligence agency. In its law enforcement role, the NSS functions in a manner analogous to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Most private security companies provide little professional training and pay their staffs low salaries.
Police Response
Armenian police departments lack a Western-style patrol mindset. They respond to crimes or accidents once reported, rather than trying to prevent them or maintaining a continuous presence throughout the geographic area of responsibility. As a result, response times are longer than in the United States or Western Europe. Armenia’s government has made police reform a major government priority, with the aim of establishing citizen-friendly law enforcement that responds quickly and effectively to crimes or accidents. This will include the establishment of a modern patrol police based on Western models.
Law enforcement officials often lack the sensitivity training required to investigate crimes such as domestic violence and rape. Many law enforcement officers do not speak English, although a special division of police who patrol downtown on foot do speak English.
The emergency line in Armenia is 102. The police operations center line is 911 and can dispatch the appropriate emergency service needed.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Armenia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Armenia.
Armenia has a legacy of systemic corruption in many areas, including construction, mining, public administration, parliament, the judiciary, procurement practices, and provision of state assistance. There have been allegations of embezzlement of state funds and involvement of government officials in questionable business activities.
The constitution and law prohibited arbitrary arrest and detention and provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Cybersecurity
U.S. citizens have no reasonable expectation of privacy in Armenia. Telephone and electronic communications are subject to surveillance at any time and without advisory, which may compromise sensitive information.
Practice good cyber security, to include the use of VPNs and using passwords to lock and unlock your electronic devices. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers.
Import/Export Restrictions
Armenia prohibits, except in authorized cases, the import of pharmaceutical products, medicines, certain chemicals, weapons and components thereof, explosives, nuclear materials, poisons, drugs, psychotropic substances, and pornography. There are no restrictions on the import or use of satellite phones in the country.
The export of items of historical value, such as paintings, carpets, and old books, requires advanced authorization from the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports.
Engaging in any commercial activities in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories, whether directly or through business subsidiaries, can result in criminal prosecution and/or other legal action being taken by the Azerbaijani government against individuals and/or businesses, and might make a traveler ineligible to visit Azerbaijan in the future.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
