Armenia

Recommended Vaccinations For Armenia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who will live in Armenia for more than 3 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in Armenia through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Armenia

There are no recommendations for Armenia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Armenia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in this country through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may occur in this country.

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Armenia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Armenia

Personal Safety

Armenia maintains low crime levels overall. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare, with petty theft being the most common concern. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur occasionally in Yerevan and other larger cities, particularly in crowded areas like Republic Square, Vernissage market, and on public transport, especially trains to Georgia. Crime statistics show Armenia has a homicide rate of 2.19 per 100,000 people, lower than many Western cities. Police presence is limited outside Yerevan, and response times can be lengthy. Airport taxi drivers at Zvartnots International Airport sometimes overcharge tourists. Drug laws are strict, with heavy fines and long prison sentences for possession, use, or smuggling of illegal substances, including cannabis, CBD, and THC products, even when prescribed for medical purposes. Photography of government or military sites and uniformed personnel is prohibited and can lead to detention. While Armenians are generally friendly and helpful, with 86% willing to help strangers according to a Gallup poll, travelers should remain vigilant in tourist areas. Some travelers have reported harassment and extortion by police or local officials. Organized crime networks exist but rarely affect tourists.

Extreme Violence

Armenia has no recent history of terrorism and is not known for terrorist incidents. Multiple government travel advisories confirm attacks cannot be ruled out but note the threat level remains low. The country does not face the same level of terrorist threat as larger nations, and ongoing border tensions with Azerbaijan are political and military in nature rather than connected to global terrorism networks. In 2022, there were bomb alerts in Yerevan targeting public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels, though these resulted in heightened security presence rather than actual attacks. Historical Armenian terrorist groups ASALA and JCAG effectively disintegrated by 1988. While terrorism is not a significant concern, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and follow local authority guidance. The primary security concern relates to potential armed conflict near the Azerbaijan border rather than terrorism or extreme violence within the country itself.

Political Unrest

Armenia has experienced recurring political protests since 2020, primarily related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and border demarcation with Azerbaijan. Large-scale demonstrations took place in 2020-2021, 2023, and 2024, with protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The 2024 protests, known as Tavush for the Homeland, involved blocking major highways including the Yerevan-Meghri, Yerevan-Gyumri, and interstate highway to Georgia. Clashes between protesters and police have resulted in injuries and hundreds of arrests. In June 2024, over 100 people were injured during confrontations, including 17 police officers, with 98 detained. Some protests have turned violent, with demonstrators throwing bottles and stones at police and attempting to storm government buildings. The Armenian Apostolic Church has become involved in recent protests, with Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan emerging as a protest leader. While demonstrations are typically organized by opposition parties or activist groups highlighting social and political issues, they can lead to disruptions in traffic and public transportation. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent without warning. Journalists covering protests have faced harassment, threats, and physical violence. Further demonstrations remain likely given ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan and domestic political divisions.

Areas To Avoid

Travelers must avoid all areas within 5 kilometers of the entire eastern border with Azerbaijan due to the risk of armed conflict. Specific restricted zones include the Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis, the Syunik region east of Goris and south of Kapan, and areas near Sotk, Tegh, Jermuk, and Kapan where clashes have occurred. Travel through Yeraskh village in the Ararat region is allowed but stopping is prohibited. The M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan should be avoided due to border tensions. U.S. Embassy employees and their families cannot travel to these border areas for non-essential reasons. Past military action has occurred near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, and tensions remain heightened despite a ceasefire. The border with Azerbaijan is closed and heavily militarized, with occasional ceasefire violations and armed clashes at multiple points along the international border. Checkpoints may control roads or close them to travelers without notice, and some portions of roads may cross international borders without warning. The land border with Turkey remains closed. The formerly contested Nagorno-Karabakh region is now under Azerbaijani control following military operations in September 2023, and over 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled to Armenia. Most tourist attractions and cities are well away from these conflict zones, with Yerevan, Lake Sevan’s western shore, and major monasteries located safely distant from restricted areas.