Genvisec advises that  business and leisure travel should continue to Armenia avoiding restricted and more dangerous areas. High profile business travellers should consider employing a security provider.

 

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are low. But there are incidents of pick pocketing, bag snatching, theft from cars and burglary involving foreign nationals. There have been occasional shooting incidents, chiefly related to organised crime. Although tourists and foreigners have not been targeted, there is a risk of being caught up in such events and you should remain vigilant at all times.

 

Don’t carry your passport, credit card, travel tickets and money together. Leave spare cash, passports and valuables in a safe place. Take the same personal safety precautions on the street and when using ATMs as you would in the UK. Take particular care if using an ATM after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.

 

The police in Armenia have discovered and closed an internet ring targeting British and Europeans through on-line dating agencies. Never part with money or share personal information including date of birth, address or financial information to someone that you have never met.

 

In May 2012 a gay-friendly bar in downtown Yerevan was attacked and a diversity march in central Yerevan was disrupted by nationalist groups. 

 

Local travel

 

The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed. Genvisec advises against all but essential travel in the area of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunik regions, where there have been reports of sporadic gunfire. In April and June 2012, there were reports of ceasefire violations along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border which resulted in a number of deaths and casualties. We advise against all travel on the road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan, which passes close to the border and military emplacements, where there have also been reports of sporadic gunfire. You should take a route further to the west if you are travelling between Armenia and Georgia, through the Lori region for example.

 

The land border with Turkey is also closed, although there are occasional direct flights between Yerevan and Istanbul.

 

Travelling in the South Caucasus can be unpredictable and infrastructure is sometimes in a poor state of repair. You should plan your travel carefully.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive in Armenia on an International Driving Permit. The local standard of driving is poor. Be prepared for drivers who drive recklessly and flout traffic laws. Roads are in a poor state, particularly in the coldest months (November to February). If you are walking, be careful when crossing roads and use subways where available.

 

Rail travel

 

Public transport is often overcrowded and poorly maintained. If you have to travel by train, secure your valuables, do not leave the compartment unattended, and lock the door from the inside. 

 

Air travel

 

A list of incidents and accidents in Armenia can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

In 2007, an International Civil Aviation Organisation audit of aviation safety oversight found that the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Armenia was above the global average.

 

Genvisec can provided advice on safe airlines for personnel to use

 

Political situation

 

The dispute over Nagorno Karabakh remains unresolved. The British Embassy can’t provide advice or consular assistance to visitors to the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Although a ceasefire has been in place since May 1994, the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani territory occupied by Armenian forces are closed. There are no peacekeeping forces separating the two sides. There are regular exchanges of sniper fire and some skirmishes. The border areas also contain mines and unexploded ordnance. Any foreigners venturing within 5km of these borders are liable to be stopped by the police or the military.

 

Telephone and internet communications

 

Communication by telephone and e-mail can sometimes be difficult especially in the regions. Not all mobile phones work in Armenia; check for coverage before leaving your home country if you intend to rely on it.

 

There are a growing number of internet cafes but access can still be slow and unreliable. Make sure family and friends who expect regular contact are aware of this to avoid unnecessary worry.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical facilities are generally poor, particularly outside Yerevan, and treatment is not recommended for anything other than minor or straightforward ailments. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in Armenia call 101/102/103.

 

Money

 

Cash can be changed at banks and in exchange bureaux. British pounds may be less readily accepted outside Yerevan than US dollars or Euros.

 

Credit cards and UK debit cards displaying the Maestro and/or Cirrus sign are accepted at major stores and restaurants in Yerevan but far less so outside the capital. Prices for goods and services are sometimes quoted in US dollars, but by law payment must be made in Armenian Dram.

 

There are many ATMs in Yerevan. They accept major credit cards and debit cards with the Maestro/Cirrus or Visa sign displayed on the card.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Armenia is a Christian country and women can usually dress in normal western-style clothing. Outside the capital people are more conservative and inappropriate dress will attract attention.

 

Carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times.

 

The use of illegal drugs carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. The penalty for smuggling drugs carries a prison term of between 4 to 10 years.

 

Homosexuality was decriminalised in 2003 but is still viewed with disapproval by many Armenians. Local LGBT groups occasionally suffer from verbal and physical harassment. Although same sex couples are often seen holding hands and kissing in public, this is common in Armenian culture, and is not necessarily an indicator of sexual orientation. You should be discreet.

 

Don’t photograph sites such as military bases, equipment and installations. These are considered sensitive areas and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to photograph them.

demonstrations.