Armenia
Safety and security
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Armenia
Terrorist attacks in Armenia cannot be ruled out.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Political situation
The dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh remains unresolved. Consular support is severely limited in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Although a ceasefire exists, the eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed. Russian peacekeepers have been deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh, but tensions remain.
The border areas between Armenia and Azerbaijan also contain mines and unexploded weapons. Any foreigner within 5km of these borders is likely to be stopped by the police or the military.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Crime levels are low. There are occasional incidents of pickpocketing, bag-snatching, theft from cars and burglary involving foreign nationals. To help protect your belongings:
- leave spare cash, passports and valuables in a safe place
- carry a copy of the photo page of your passport rather than the original document
- when using ATMs check no one is watching or following you
- take particular care if using an ATM after dark
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
If you use illegal drugs, you can get fines and a long prison sentence. The penalty for smuggling drugs is a prison sentence of between 4 and 10 years.
It is illegal to use, possess or trade marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD), or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. You can be prosecuted for having these substances even when they are prescribed for medical purposes.
Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas
Do not photograph sites such as military bases, equipment and installations. These are considered sensitive areas and visitors have been detained and questioned for attempting to photograph them.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relations have been legal since 2003 but are still viewed with disapproval by many Armenians. LGBT+ people in Armenia tend to be discreet about their sexuality. Local LGBT+ groups occasionally suffer from verbal and physical harassment. Physical contact between members of the same sex, such as holding hands and kissing, are common signs of friendship in Armenian culture, and not necessarily an indicator of sexual orientation.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Unsociable behaviour
Armenian society does not tolerate unsociable behaviour such as being drunk, particularly during the late evening and through the nighttime. Whilst it is not illegal to be drunk, it is not socially acceptable. British nationals have been detained for drunken behaviour.
Transport risks
Taxis
Avoid hailing taxis on the street as there is a risk of being scammed for high fares. You can download the GG taxi application on your phone upon your arrival. GG is considered a reputable taxi app service in Armenia.
Public transport
Public transport is often overcrowded, particularly in Yerevan. Yerevan buses are modern, but local buses in the regions may be old and poorly maintained.
If you travel on the cross-border train service between Armenia and Georgia, secure your valuables, do not leave the compartment unattended, and lock the door from the inside.
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Armenia, see information on driving abroad. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
You’ll need to have both a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Armenia. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Road safety
The standard of driving is poor. Be prepared for drivers who drive recklessly and ignore traffic laws. Roads are in a poor state, particularly in the coldest months, from November to February. If possible avoid driving outside of cities and towns in the dark because of the poor condition of the roads and lack of lighting.
If you are walking, be careful when crossing roads and use subways where available.
Air travel
The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Armenia that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
The UK has placed sanctions on Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines and Ural Airlines. It is now illegal under UK law for any British national or British company to do business with these airlines. This includes the purchasing of flight tickets.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Earthquakes
There is a risk of earthquakes. The last serious earthquake was in 1988 in the Lori region in the north. It killed between 25,000 and 50,000 people, injured thousands and left several cities in ruins.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.