Armenia
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Armenia - Exercise a high degree of caution
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Armenia. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution occasional demonstrations and protests.
Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas - Avoid non-essential travel
Global Affairs Canada advises against non-essential travel to
Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas due to the tense political situation and occasional cross-border shooting incidents.
The Government of Canada does not recognize the sovereignty of Nagorno-Karabakh, and its ability to provide consular services there is extremely limited.
See Safety and security for more information.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas (see Advisory)
The border with Azerbaijan, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, is closed. A ceasefire has been in effect since May 1994, although armed clashes and gunfire along the 5-km buffer zone between the border and the ceasefire line occur sporadically. There are many landmines surrounding the conflict zones with Nagorno-Karabakh.
Border areas
Be particularly vigilant near all land borders. As the land border with Turkey is closed, you should only travel between Yerevan and Istanbul by air.
Crime
Pickpocketing, mugging and theft from cars and homes occur. Do not show signs of affluence.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
Public transportation
Public transportation networks are overcrowded and poorly maintained.
Pedestrians may not have the right of way.
Minibuses are often involved in accidents.
Some roads outside Yerevan are poorly maintained. Do not travel after dark. Poor driving standards, inadequate road signs and poor road conditions make road travel hazardous. Winter travel can be extremely hazardous at higher elevations. Police may set up roadblocks to search vehicles.
Be cautious when travelling by train. Store personal belongings and documents in a safe place, do not leave the compartment unattended and lock the door from the inside.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
General safety information
Armenian authorities conduct frequent identity checks. Carry a photocopy of your passport and leave another one with a relative or a friend at home. Keep passports and valuables in a safe.
Arrange to be met at the airport.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Armenian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
Canadians must present a passport to visit Armenia, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Visas
Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Armenia.
Transit visa: Required for stays up to three days
Visitor visa: Required for stays up to 120 days
Canadians travelling to Armenia for tourism or business can obtain a visitor visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada; they can also apply for an e-visa from Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure, or obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Health
Health
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Western Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Western Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among pediatric travellers, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers at high risk visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Western Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care provider.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities are limited outside Yerevan and do not meet Canadian standards. Serious medical cases may require evacuation to a country equipped with adequate facilities.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Laws
Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted in Armenian society.
Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.
There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
You may be fined for photographing military installations or government buildings. Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.
The export of cultural items is regulated.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Armenia. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you an Armenian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present an Armenian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Canadian-Armenian citizens may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes and military service. Check your status with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada. Dual nationals who try to avoid the compulsory military service may be detained for draft evasion and face hefty fines or imprisonment.
See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Money
The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD). The economy is primarily cash-based. U.S. dollars and credit cards are generally accepted when paying for hotel accommodation. There are no limitations on exchange of foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared at border crossings. Some banks may not accept a foreign bank card at automated banking machines, but you can make withdrawals at the counter with your passport as identification.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Armenia is located in an active seismic zone.
Landslides can occur.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 102
- medical assistance: 103
- firefighters: 101
Consular assistance
Yerevan - Consulate of Canada
Moscow - Embassy of Canada
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. It is not possible to make collect calls from Armenia. However, pay phones can be used for international calls. Phone cards are available at newsstands and retail outlets. Most post offices have international telephone facilities. Cabins are equipped with a meter, and payment is made after the call. Internet telephones are now available at Internet cafés.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.