you want to go to Armenia?

The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed and we advise against all but essential travel near the border with Azerbaijan due to the unresolved dispute over Nagorno Karabakh. This particularly covers the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunik regions, where there has been sporadic gunfire. In Tavush Marz we specifically advise against travel on the road from Ijevan to Noyemberyan, which passes close to the border and military emplacements, and on the roads beyond Berd.

The British Embassy cannot provide consular assistance to you if you are in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. 

There is a low threat from terrorism. But 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.

British citizens should avoid locations where demonstrations may take place. If it is necessary to be in the vicinity of a demonstration or gatherings, you should exercise vigilance and caution at all times. See Political Situation.

We advise all British citizens travelling in or living in Armenia to register with the FCO via the Locate online registration service. We would be grateful for any assistance registered British citizens could provide in making other Britons aware of the Locate service if they have not registered.

You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety and Security - Terrorism 

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But 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.  

Safety and Security - Crime 

Crime, especially violent crime, remains relatively low in Armenia.  But there are incidents of pick pocketing, bag snatching, theft from cars and burglary involving British or other foreign nationals. You should not carry your passport, credit card, travel tickets and money together.  We advise you to leave spare cash, passports and valuables in a safe place.  

There have been occasional shooting incidents, chiefly related to organised crime. Although tourists and foreigners were not targeted, there is a risk of being caught up in such events and you should remain vigilant at all times. 

We also advise that you take the same personal safety precautions on the street and when using ATMs as you would in the UK.  Take particular care if using them after dark, especially if you are alone.  Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel

The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed and we advise against all but essential travel close to the border with Azerbaijan, particularly the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunik regions, where there have been reports of sporadic gunfire. We specifically advise against all travel on the road from Ijevan to Noyemberyan, which passes close to the border and military emplacements, where there have also been some reports of sporadic gunfire. If travelling between Armenia and Georgia we advise you to use one of the routes further west, or through the Lori region.

The land border with Turkey is also closed, but there are now direct flights from Yerevan to Istanbul. Travelling within the South Caucasus can be difficult and needs careful planning. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road travel 

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

Safety and Security - Local Travel - 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.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air travel 

Evidence suggests that some airlines serving Armenia do not always comply with international safety standards in respect of maintenance procedures.  Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff have therefore been advised to avoid flying with non-scheduled or non-international airlines from Armenia if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists.

Western airlines currently serving Armenia are BMI, Czech Airlines, Lot Polish Airlines, Air France and Austrian Airlines.

On 15 July 2009, a Caspian Airlines flight from Tehran to Yerevan crashed 75 miles northwest of Tehran shortly after takeoff.  All 168 passengers and crew onboard were killed. The cause of the crash has not yet been revealed.

A Canadian-built CRJ-100, operated by the Belarussian state airline Belavia, crashed shortly after taking off from Yerevan airport on 14 February 2008. There were no fatalities. An investigation concluded poor aircraft maintenance was to blame.