Risk level

Safety and security

Border areas

Our ability to provide consular services in areas along the Armenia-Azerbaijan international borders as well as in Nagorno-Karabakh is extremely limited.

Azerbaijan

The security environment is highly volatile at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan due to the ongoing dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

All border crossings into Azerbaijan are closed and the border is heavily militarized.

Despite the ceasefire in place since November 2020, there are frequent armed clashes at multiple points along the international border, including near the following Armenian cities:

• Sotk
• Tegh
• Goris
• Jermuk
• Kapan

Border areas with Azerbaijan are subject to extremely dangerous military activities, such as:

• mortar and artillery shelling
• rocket fire
• drone attacks
• heavy gunfire

In April 2023, fighting erupted around the Armenian village of Tegh, near the international border and the entrance of the Lachin corridor in Azerbaijan linking Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. On September 1, 2023, fighting erupted around the Armenian village of Sotk, near the international border. The clashes resulted in several casualties and injuries on both sides and the situation could deteriorate further without notice.

If you choose to travel near the border with Azerbaijan despite this advisory:

• exercise caution at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local media to stay informed on current clashes
• follow instructions from local authorities and security forces

Nagorno–Karabakh and surrounding areas

In September 2020, a violent conflict occurred between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in thousands of casualties.

On November 9, 2020, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a ceasefire agreement enforced by Russian peacekeepers.

Unmarked landmines and cluster munitions continue to pose a risk in areas surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh previously under Armenian control, especially in the following districts:

• Kalbajar
• Aghdam
• Lachin

The Lachin corridor is the only road linking Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. Despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers, there are frequent blockades resulting in limited access to:

• basic necessities, such as food and fuel supplies
• humanitarian and medical assistance

In April 2023, Azerbaijan’s army established a checkpoint on the border with Armenia at the entrance of the Lachin corridor, increasing the risk of a resurgence of tensions.

There are regular ceasefire violations in the vicinity of Nagorno Karabakh.

Nakhchivan

As part of the ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there are occasional ceasefire violations and clashes on the Nakhchivan border.

Crime

Pickpocketing, mugging and theft from cars and homes occur. Don’t show signs of affluence.

When leaving your car, make sure you lock your doors and place items under your seats. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Yerevan and the vicinity of institutional buildings.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Some roads outside Yerevan are poorly maintained. Do not drive after dark.

Poor driving standards, inadequate road signs and poor road conditions make road travel hazardous.

Be careful when crossing the street, as drivers do not always give pedestrians the right of way.

Driving through high-altitude areas can be very dangerous in the winter.

The land border with Türkiye is closed. Travel between Yerevan and Istanbul by air.

Public transportation

Public transportation is overcrowded and poorly maintained.

Minibuses are often involved in accidents.

Be careful when travelling by train. Store your belongings and travel documents in a safe place. Do not leave the compartment unattended and lock the door from the inside.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Armenian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Armenia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Transit visa: required
Business visa: required

You must obtain a visa before departure either from:

• Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or
• the closest Embassy of Armenia

Apply for an e-visa - Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dual citizenship

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, you might be required to enter and exit Armenia on an Armenian passport. Contact the nearest Armenian diplomatic office to confirm this information.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical services and facilities are available in Yerevan. Outside Yerevan, facilities are limited and may not offer the level of care you may be used to in Canada.

Serious medical cases may require evacuation to a country equipped with adequate facilities.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

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

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Armenia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Armenia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Armenia authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Illegal or restricted activities

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. Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

The export of cultural items is regulated.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Although Armenian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Armenia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

National obligations

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. Authorities may detain dual nationals who try to avoid military service and face large fines or imprisonment.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Armenia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Armenia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Armenia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Money

The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD).

Hotels usually accept U.S. dollars and credit cards.

There are no limitations on exchange of foreign currency. However, you must declare any amount exceeding US$10,000 at border crossings.

Some ATMs may not accept a foreign bank card but you can make withdrawals at the bank counter using your passport as identification.

Natural disasters and climate

Armenia is located in an active seismic zone.

Landslides can occur.