Briefing d'orientation en Arménie

L'Arménie se flatte d'être le premier État à avoir officiellement adopté le christianisme (début du IVe siècle). L'Arménie existe en tant qu'entité politique depuis des siècles, mais pendant une grande partie de son histoire, elle a été sous la domination de divers empires, notamment romain, byzantin, arabe, perse, ottoman et russe. Pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, l'Empire ottoman a instauré une politique de déportation forcée qui, associée à d'autres pratiques brutales visant ses sujets arméniens, a causé au moins 1 million de morts ; ces actes sont largement reconnus comme constitutifs d'un génocide. Au début du XIXe siècle, d'importantes populations arméniennes passèrent sous domination russe. L'Arménie a proclamé son indépendance en 1918, dans le sillage de la révolution bolchevique en Russie, mais elle fut conquise par l'Armée rouge soviétique en 1920. L'Arménie, avec l'Azerbaïdjan et la Géorgie, fut d'abord intégrée à l'URSS au sein de la République socialiste fédérative soviétique de Transcaucasie ; en 1936, cette république fut scindée en ses trois entités constitutives, qui subsistèrent jusqu'à la dissolution de l'Union soviétique en 1991.

Pendant plus de trois décennies, l'Arménie a entretenu un conflit de longue date avec son voisin l'Azerbaïdjan au sujet du statut de la région du Haut-Karabakh, qui comptait historiquement une population mixte arménienne et azerbaïdjanaise, bien que les Arméniens de souche soient majoritaires depuis la fin du XIXe siècle. En 1921, Moscou rattacha le Haut-Karabakh à l'Azerbaïdjan soviétique en tant qu'oblast autonome. À la fin de la période soviétique, un mouvement sécessionniste se développa, visant à mettre fin au contrôle azerbaïdjanais sur la région. Les combats pour le Haut-Karabakh débutèrent en 1988 et s'intensifièrent après que l'Arménie et l'Azerbaïdjan eurent proclamé leur indépendance de l'Union soviétique en 1991. Lorsque le cessez-le-feu entra en vigueur en 1994, les séparatistes, soutenus par l'Arménie, contrôlaient le Haut-Karabakh ainsi que sept territoires azerbaïdjanais environnants. L'Arménie et l'Azerbaïdjan se sont affrontés lors d'un second conflit armé pour le Haut-Karabakh en 2020 ; l'Arménie a perdu le contrôle d'une grande partie du territoire qu'elle avait précédemment conquis, restituant à l'Azerbaïdjan la partie sud du Haut-Karabakh et les territoires qui l'entourent. En septembre 2023, l'Azerbaïdjan a lancé une opération militaire pour reprendre le contrôle du Haut-Karabakh ; à l'issue d'un conflit armé qui n'a duré qu'une journée, la quasi-totalité de la population arménienne du Haut-Karabakh s'est réfugiée en Arménie.

La Turquie a fermé sa frontière avec l'Arménie en 1993, en soutien à l'Azerbaïdjan durant la première phase du conflit avec l'Arménie, et a depuis maintenu cette frontière fermée, laissant l'Arménie avec des frontières fermées à l'ouest (avec la Turquie) comme à l'est (avec l'Azerbaïdjan). L'Arménie et la Turquie ont mené une intense activité diplomatique en vue de normaliser leurs relations et d'ouvrir la frontière en 2009, mais l'accord signé n'a été ratifié dans aucun des deux pays. En 2015, l'Arménie a rejoint l'Union économique eurasiatique aux côtés de la Russie, de la Biélorussie, du Kazakhstan et du Kirghizistan. En 2017, l'Arménie a signé avec l'UE un accord de partenariat global et renforcé (CEPA).

En 2018, l'ancien président de l'Arménie (2008-2018), Serge SARGSIAN, du Parti républicain d'Arménie (RPA), a tenté de prolonger son mandat, ce qui a déclenché des manifestations connues sous le nom de « Révolution de velours ». Après la démission de SARGSIAN, l'Assemblée nationale a élu Premier ministre le leader des manifestations, Nikol PACHINIAN, président du parti Contrat civil. Le parti de PACHINIAN a remporté les élections législatives suivantes, la plus récente en 2021.

Although a ceasefire exists, the eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed and tensions remain. See regional risks for details about FCDO’s warning against all travel.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).  

Areas where FCDO advises against travel  

Armenia-Azerbaijan border  

The border with Azerbaijan remains closed. FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the entire eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, due to tensions between the 2 countries.   

M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan  

FCDO advises against all travel along the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan, due to border tensions. 

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:  

• see general advice for women travellers 

• read our guide on disability and travel abroad 

• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers  

• read about safety for solo and independent travel 

• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice  

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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This guide also has safety advice for regions of Armenia.

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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe 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 

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Armenia, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation 

Although a ceasefire exists, the eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed and tensions remain. See regional risks for details about FCDO’s warning against all travel.

Protests 

Protests sometimes take place in central Yerevan and other major cities. These are usually organised by opposition political parties or activist groups highlighting topical social and political issues. Although protests tend to be peaceful and usually pass off without incident, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, follow the advice and instructions of the local authorities, monitor the media and remain vigilant.

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

If you possess, use or smuggle illegal drugs, including cannabis, you can get heavy fines and a long jail sentence, including when transiting through the airport. 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. 

Airports in Armenia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas 

It is illegal to 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 sexual activity has been legal since 2003 but many Armenians still view same-sex couples with disapproval. 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. 

Disorderly behaviour 

Armenian society does not tolerate drinking to excess as this leads to disorderly behaviour, particularly during the late evening and through the night. British nationals have been arrested for drunken behaviour.

Transport risks  

Taxis 

If you hail taxis on the street you risk being scammed for high fares. There have also been occasional reports of taxi drivers sexually harassing single female passengers. You can download the GG taxi app on your phone when you arrive. 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 and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Armenia guide. 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 ASL 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, which operate out of Russia and fly to Armenia. It is illegal under UK law for any British national or British company to buy tickets from these airlines.

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.

This section has safety advice for regions of Armenia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice. 

Armenia-Azerbaijan border 

The border with Azerbaijan remains closed. FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the entire eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is due to tensions between the 2 countries as a result of the conflict. Consular support is severely limited within this area.

M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan 

FCDO advises against all travel along the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan. This is due to tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a result of the conflict.

Armenia-Turkey border 

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

South Caucasus 

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

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance with an English speaker.  

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip check: 

• the latest vaccine recommendations for Armenia  
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Armenia, including Mount Aragats (4,090m elevation) and the lakes of Aragats (approximately 3,000m). Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.  

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare facilities in Armenia 

Public medical facilities and treatment in Yerevan are generally sufficient for minor or straightforward ailments. Public healthcare outside Yerevan is likely to be basic. Private hospitals in Armenia are of a good standard but can be expensive.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Armenia where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.