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  • Armenia Country Specific Information

    State Department Documents and Publications
    January 5, 2009



    Armenia Country Specific Information

    STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
    January 5, 2009


    COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Armenia is a constitutional republic with a
    developing economy. Tourist facilities, especially outside Yerevan,
    the capital, are not highly developed, and many of the goods and
    services taken for granted in other countries may be difficult to
    obtain. Read the Department of State's Background Notes on Armenia for
    additional information.

    ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are
    required. U.S. citizens may purchase visas in advance for a stay of
    up to 120 days online at http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am/ for
    the fee of USD 60; however, this visa is valid only for entry at
    Zvartnots airport in Yerevan. At this time a visa valid for 120 days
    may also be obtained upon arrival at the port of entry for the fee of
    15,000 Armenian Drams (approx. USD 50). Visas for up to 120 days may
    be purchased at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the
    Consulate General in Los Angeles for the fee of USD 69. For further
    information on entry requirements, contact the Armenian Embassy at
    2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 319-1976 and (202)
    319-2983; the Armenian Consulate General in Los Angeles at 50 N. La
    Cienega Blvd., Suite 210, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, tel. (310)
    657-7320, or visit the Armenian Embassy's web site at
    http://www.armeniaemb.org for the most current visa information.

    Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international
    child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information
    about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

    SAFETY AND SECURITY: A cease-fire has been in effect since 1994 around
    the self-proclaimed "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh," an unrecognized
    ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan. However, intermittent
    gunfire along the cease-fire line and along the border with Azerbaijan
    continues. Because of the existing state of hostilities, consular
    services are not available to Americans in Nagorno-Karabakh. Travelers
    should exercise caution near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and consult
    the Country Specific Information for Azerbaijan if considering travel
    to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian territory. Armenia's land borders
    with Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of
    Azerbaijan remain closed and continue to be patrolled by armed troops
    who stop all people attempting to cross. There are still land mines in
    numerous areas in and near the conflict zones.

    Political rallies in the aftermath of the February 2008 presidential
    elections turned violent. Clashes between government security forces
    and opposition demonstrators resulted in dozens of casualties,
    including 10 fatalities, in early March 2008. While the opposition
    continued to hold periodic protests over the summer and early fall,
    there have been no violent confrontations since the March
    events. Americans should be mindful that even demonstrations intended
    to be peaceful could turn confrontational and possibly escalate into
    violence. American citizens are urged to avoid the areas of
    demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the
    vicinity of any demonstrations.

    Armenia is an earthquake- and landslide-prone country. In addition to
    these natural disasters, there exists the possibility of chlorine gas
    spills and radiation poisoning due to industrial accidents. The
    Soviet-era Armenia Nuclear Power plant is located in Metsamor,
    approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Yerevan. Armenia is currently
    under international pressure to close the plant permanently, due to
    safety concerns.

    For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
    regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs
    web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings
    and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.

    Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by
    calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or for callers
    outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at
    1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
    p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
    holidays). The Department of State urges American citizens to take
    responsibility for their own personal security while traveling
    overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers
    can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
    Department of State's A Safe Trip Abroad.

    CRIME: Crime against foreigners is relatively rare in
    Armenia. Break-ins, particularly of vehicles, and theft are the most
    common crimes, but there have been instances of violent crime as
    well. While the incidence of violent crime remains lower than in most
    U.S. cities, American citizens are urged to exercise caution and to
    avoid traveling alone after dark in Yerevan. Several American
    investors have also reported being involved in disputes over property
    ownership, and have had to seek legal recourse through a long, and in
    the majority of cases, unsuccessful court proceeding.

    INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a
    U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and
    the U.S. Embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in
    addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest
    U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Embassy staff can, for example,
    assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or
    friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the
    investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the
    responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to
    understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney
    if needed. For information on assistance in the U.S. including
    possible compensation, see our Victims of Crime. The local equivalents
    to the "911" emergency line in Armenia are: 101 - fire emergency; 102
    - police emergency; 103 - medical emergency; and 104 - gas leak.

    MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Though there are many
    competent physicians in Armenia, medical care facilities are limited,
    especially outside the major cities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list
    of English-speaking physicians in the area. Most prescription
    medications are available, but the quality varies. Elderly travelers
    and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to
    inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Department of State is unaware
    of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign
    residents of Armenia.

    Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
    food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained
    from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) hotline
    for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via
    the CDC's web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For
    information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the
    World Health Organization's (WHO) web site at
    http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is
    available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

    MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to
    consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
    to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will
    cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our
    information on medical insurance overseas.

    TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country,
    U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
    from those in the United States. The information below concerning
    Armenia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally
    accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Travel in Armenia
    requires caution. Public transportation, while very inexpensive, may
    be unreliable and uncomfortable. Travel at night is not recommended,
    and winter travel can be extremely hazardous in mountain areas and
    higher elevations. Travelers should avoid the old highway between the
    towns of Ljevan and Noyemberyan in the Tavush region, as well as the
    main highway between the towns of Kirants and Baghanis/Voskevan. The
    U.S. Embassy has designated this portion of the road off-limits to all
    U.S. Government personnel because of its proximity to the cease-fire
    line between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, a line which has seen
    numerous cease-fire violations over the years.

    On weekends, there are an increased number of intoxicated drivers on
    Armenian roads. American citizens are urged to exercise particular
    vigilance while traveling on the main highway from Yerevan to the
    resort areas of Tsaghkadzor and Sevan. Traffic police will attempt to
    stop individuals driving erratically and dangerously, but police
    presence outside of Yerevan is limited.

    Armenia does have emergency police and medical services, but they may
    take time to reach remote regions. With the exception of a few major
    arteries, primary roads are frequently in poor repair, with sporadic
    stretches of missing pavement and large potholes. Some roads shown as
    primary roads on maps are unpaved and can narrow to one lane in width,
    while some newer road connections have not yet been marked on recently
    produced maps. Secondary roads are normally in poor condition and are
    often unpaved and washed out in certain areas. Street and road signs
    are poor to nonexistent. Truck traffic is not heavy except on the main
    roads linking Yerevan to Iran and Georgia, i.e. the roads virtually
    all travelers need to use when traveling overland to those
    countries. Minibuses are considered more dangerous than other forms of
    public transportation. Travelers who choose to ride minibuses should
    exercise caution because these vehicles are often overcrowded and
    poorly maintained, commonly lack safety measures including seatbelts,
    and are frequently involved in accidents.

    People driving in Armenia should be aware that "road rage" is becoming
    a serious and dangerous problem on Armenian streets and highways. For
    safety reasons drivers are encouraged to yield to aggressive
    drivers. Incidents of physical aggression against drivers and
    pedestrians have occurred

    Though crime along roadways is rare, the police sometimes seek bribes
    during traffic stops. Drivers in Armenia frequently ignore traffic
    laws, making roadways unsafe for unsuspecting travelers. Pedestrians
    often fail to take safety precautions and those driving in towns at
    night should be especially cautious. In cities, a pedestrian dressed
    in black crossing an unlit street in the middle of the block is a
    common occurrence.

    The quality of gasoline in Armenia ranges from good at some of the
    more reliable stations in cities to very poor. The gasoline and other
    fuels sold out of jars, barrels, and trucks by independent roadside
    merchants should be considered very unreliable.

    Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

    AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air
    service to the United States by carriers registered in Armenia, the
    U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Armenia's
    Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil
    Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more
    information, travelers may visit the FAA's web site at
    http://www.faa.gov/safety/programsinitiatives/o versight/iasa. Travelers
    on Armavia International Airways may experience prolonged delays and
    sudden cancellations of flights. Air travel to Armenia via European
    carriers is typically more reliable. Ticketed passengers on flights
    leaving Yerevan should reconfirm their reservations 24 hours prior to
    departure.

    SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Armenia remains largely a cash-only
    economy. Credit cards are accepted at some businesses, including major
    hotels and restaurants in Yerevan, but rarely outside of the
    capital. Limited facilities exist for cashing traveler's checks and
    wiring money into the country. There are a number of ATMs in the
    center of Yerevan. Dollars are readily exchanged at market
    rates. Travelers may experience problems with local officials seeking
    bribes to perform basic duties.

    Armenian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning
    temporary importation into or export from Armenia of items such as
    firearms, pornographic materials, medication, and communications
    equipment. For export of antiquities and other items that could have
    historical value, such as paintings, carpets, old books, or other
    artisan goods, a special authorization is required in advance from the
    Armenian Ministry of Culture. It is advisable to contact the Embassy
    of Armenia in Washington, DC or Consulate General in Los Angeles for
    specific information regarding customs requirements.

    Please see our Customs Information.

    Dual Nationals: Changes to Armenian legislation now permit Armenian
    citizens to hold dual citizenship. This means that U.S. citizens who
    emigrated from Armenia to the U.S. and subsequently acquired
    U.S. citizenship without explicitly giving up their Armenian
    citizenship may be able to (re)acquire Armenian citizenship along with
    all the associated rights and duties, e.g. the right to vote in
    Armenian elections and/or the duty for certain males to perform
    military service. The new law also means that dual citizens need to
    enter and leave Armenia on their Armenian passport, i.e. they would no
    longer need an Armenian visa. U.S. citizens interested in obtaining
    Armenian citizenship must register their dual citizenship with
    Passport and Visa Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia
    (formerly OVIR) by simply presenting proof of their other citizenship
    (e.g. passport). For more information, please consult with Passport
    and Visa Department of the Police (tel.: +37410-501439) and/or
    http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am.

    Comp ulsory Military Service: In addition to being subject to all
    Armenian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals are also subject
    to other laws that impose special obligations on Armenian
    citizens. Male U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are also
    considered to be Armenian citizens may be subject to conscription and
    compulsory military service upon arrival, and to other aspects of
    Armenian law while in Armenia. Armenian authorities have regularly
    detained U.S. citizens on these grounds upon their arrival in or
    departure from Armenia. In most cases, ethnic Armenian travelers who
    are accused of evading Armenian military service obligations are
    immediately detained and later found guilty of draft
    evasion. Penalties for those convicted are stiff and include jail time
    or a substantial fine. Those who may be affected are strongly advised
    to consult with Armenian officials and inquire at an Armenian embassy
    or consulate to their status before traveling.

    For additional information on dual nationality, see our dual
    nationality flyer.

    CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is
    subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
    significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
    protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
    breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for
    similar offences. Persons violating Armenian laws, even unknowingly,
    may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession,
    use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Armenia are severe, and
    convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy
    fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or
    disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime,
    prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on
    Criminal Penalties.

    CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children's Issues
    web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child
    abduction.

    REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in
    Armenia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
    Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site
    https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ , and to obtain updated
    information on travel and security within Armenia. Americans without
    Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
    Consulate. The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy
    in Yerevan maintains a computer terminal in the consular waiting room
    available to U.S. citizens for registration. The U.S. Embassy provides
    Internet access to the general public through the American Corners
    program and through the U.S. Embassy's Information Resource
    Center. American Corners are located in Yerevan (2 Amiryan Street,
    tel. +374-10-56-13-83), Gyumri (68 Shirakatsi Street,
    tel. +374-312-22153), Vanadzor (25, Vardanants Street,
    tel. +374-322-21672), and Kapan (6, Shahumyan Street,
    tel. +374-285-22151). By registering, American citizens make it easier
    for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The
    U.S. Embassy in Yerevan is located at 1 American Avenue,
    tel. +374-10-46-47-00 and fax: +374-10-46-47-42. The Consular Section
    is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with time reserved for
    American citizen services from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday
    through Friday, except for official U.S. Embassy holidays. For more
    information, see the Embassy's web site at
    http://yerevan.usembassy.gov/.

    * * * * * *

    This replaces the Country Specific Information dated June 9, 2008 to
    update sections on Entry and Exit Requirements, Safety and Security,
    Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances.
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