Armenia

Use Normal Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following Provinces: Tavush and Gegharkunik

The Republic of Armenia lies between Turkey and Azerbaijan and is considered to be in both Europe and the Middle East. This country of about 3 million people is one of the oldest societies in the world. Armenia was the first nation to formally adopt Christianity as early as the 4th century, and today, 94 percent of the population belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church. A constitutional referendum that was approved in December 2015 will change the government to a parliamentary republic during the 2017-2018 election cycle.

Located on the Great Silk Road route, Armenia was frequently overrun by Turks, Russians, Arabs, and others. In recent history, Armenia acquired independence from the Soviet Union in September 1991. In 2015, the country decided against joining the European Union and joined the Russian-led Eurasian Customs Union.

Armenia has been developing the tourism sector and is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Some sites that tourists can enjoy are the Shikahogh State Reserve, the second largest forest reserve in the country, ancient monasteries, Mount Aragats, and Karahunj, which is made up of over 200 enormous stone tombs.

Currency	AMD: Dram
Language	Armenian
Capital	Yerevan
Recent Alerts	3
Latest Alert	July 17, 2021 - Shirak International Airport Suspends Flight for Maintenance - Armenia

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Armenia. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Armenia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Armenia.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in Armenia through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Armenia.

None required.

Safety and Security in Armenia

Emergency Numbers

911

101

102

103

Emergency services may be slow and unreliable in remote areas.

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, vehicle break-ins, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Road travel outside urban city areas can be unsafe. Roads may be in poor condition and drivers may not follow the rules of the road. Exercise caution when taking public transportation as transportation may be overloaded and in poor mechanical condition. Avoid flagging down a taxi; instead, pre-arrange a taxi with a registered taxi company.

Although same-sex relationships are legal in Armenia, same-sex relationships are not socially accepted and LGBTI travellers may face discrimination.

If you have prescription medication, keep it in the original packaging and have your physician’s prescription. There have been reports of Armenian customs officials sometimes confiscating medication (i.e. sleeping medication) from travellers upon arrival.

Armenia is in an active seismic zone. An earthquake may result in landslides, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans.

Areas To Avoid

Do not travel to areas bordering Azerbaijan, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan.

Do not travel to the Nagorno-Karabakh area.

Political Unrest

Recent protests in Armenia have turned violent. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, minimize safety risks by avoiding large public gatherings, demonstrations, or rallies. Even peaceful events can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 17, 2021