On March 16, the Armenian authorities introduced thirty days of state of emergency in the country as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus. This was extended on 13 April to 14 May. Commercial air traffic in and out of the country has in fact stopped completely. On March 17, the government decided to ban entry into Armenia for citizens from a total of 16 countries, including Norway. On March 13, a curfew was introduced that applies throughout Armenia. This still applies, but there may be local differences. For up-to-date information on the curfew, quarantine regulations and current restrictions where one is located, it is recommended to contact the Armenian authorities locally. For more information about the corona virus, see the section Health.
Safety
Most trips to Armenia are made without special problems.
The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed. There are no commercial flights between the two countries. Travelers traveling between these countries normally travel via Georgia or another third country. Also note that there are occasional meetings between Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces. This applies along the entire Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Note: According to international law, Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas are part of Azerbaijan. Travel advice for these areas is therefore listed under Azerbaijan. The Travel Council can be found here.
The border between Armenia and Turkey is also closed. Travel between the two countries must take place via third countries.
Norway is represented in Armenia at an honorary consulate in Yerevan. Contact information can be found further down the page.
When traveling abroad, there is always a possibility that you may be exposed to unpleasant surprises, violence and other crime. Travelers should always be alert and take general precautions.
The following precautions are recommended for shorter or longer stays in the country:
- Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
- Listen to local advice and follow the local media.
- Always carry a copy of your passport. Keep passports and copy of passports in different locations.
- Avoid large crowds such as political mass demonstrations and demonstrations as well as places where demonstrations have been announced.
- Use common sense. Travel alone at night is not advised.
- Show caution in traffic, not least when crossing streets.
The risk of terrorist incidents in Armenia is considered low.
The population is generally socially conservative, especially outside Yerevan. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2003, but this does not mean that it is widely accepted. Discrimination against LGBTI people occurs.
Armenia is located in an active seismic zone. The last earthquake occurred in 1988 near Spitak in the Lori region of northern Armenia. This earthquake killed 25¨C50,000 and many thousands were injured. The destruction was great.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegian citizens do not need a visa to stay in Armenia. From 2013, Norwegian citizens can travel to Armenia and stay there for up to 180 days per year without a visa, as long as they have a valid passport. Please note that the passport must be valid six months after leaving Armenia. For detailed information, see the home page of the Armenian Foreign Ministry.
Import regulations to Armenia from Norway – This should be checked individually by item type. Customs Board of the Republic of Armenia, 3 Khorenatsu St. Yerevan, Tel.: + 374-1-53 74 22
Import regulations to Norway from Armenia: This should be checked individually by the relevant product type, for example carpets, wood, stone and artwork etc. All carpets and paintings must be registered before export. To avoid fines at the airport during export, always make sure that the seller obtains the necessary export license. Imports of goods to Norway from Armenia are subject to normal import regulations (not UL or Mul countries). Thorough checking of this before buying in Armenia is recommended.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): On March 16, Armenia introduced 30 days of state of emergency in the country as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus. As a result, travelers must expect higher readiness and control on arrival in Armenia, including temperature control.
On March 17, the government decided to ban entry into Armenia for citizens from a total of 16 countries, including Norway. All citizens residing in the country, including Armenians, who return from overseas travel will automatically be placed in the 14 day home quarantine.
On March 24, a curfew was introduced that applies throughout Armenia. This will last until 31 March.
A number of checkpoints have also been established around inland Armenia, which may place restrictions on domestic travel. A large number of flights in and out of the country have been canceled, and on the most common transit route to and from Norway via Moscow, all direct flights are suspended on both routes.
Any travelers in Armenia are encouraged to keep up to date with information provided by local authorities, and at the same time follow the advice and instructions given.
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Hospitals are of a low standard compared to European conditions. It is not recommended to drink water directly from the tap. Bottled water is readily available and the food is consistently good quality.
No vaccination is required to travel to Armenia. For minor illnesses, hotels can most often recommend a doctor. In case of serious illness you should contact insurance company and consider transport abroad. It is therefore very important to be insured before departure. There has been a better hospital in Yerevan, Nairi Hospital, with English-speaking doctors who may be contacted in consultation with an insurance company.
For official health professional travel advice, refer to the website of the Institute of Public Health .
Practical information
Armenian is the official language of the country. Russian knowledge is widespread, and in Yerevan most of the younger generation speak English. Armenia belongs to the time zone UTC + 4, and it is not switched between summer and winter time
The telephone system has been greatly improved in recent years. GSM is available in Armenia and now covers almost the entire country. Mobile internet coverage can vary, especially in rural areas. It is recommended to check the prices for using mobile telephony and roaming. According to allcitycodes, telephone services in the hotels are very expensive. Wi-fi is available in most cafes, restaurants and hotels.
The national currency is dram.
Armenia uses 220V with standard European plugs.
The banks are open 9am to 3pm on weekdays. Public offices are open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays. Shops are open from 10am to 8pm, grocery stores are usually a little longer. Many food markets are open every day throughout the year.
The climate in summer is almost tropical, often above 40 ° C. Winter is cold. The average temperature in winter is -5 ° C, and + 25 ° C in summer.
National Holidays: 1-2. January (New Year), January 6 (Armenian Orthodox New Year), March 8 (Women’s Day), April 7 (Mother’s Day), April 24 (“Armenian Genocide Memorial Day”), May 1 (Workers’ Day), 9 May (Victory Day), May 28 (“First Republic Day”), July 5 (Constitution Day), September 21 (Independence Day/National Day), December 7 (“1988 Earthquake Remembrance Day”).
Several Western car rental companies have established themselves in Armenia. Please note that the road network outside central areas may be of poor standard and that the signage may be defective (and only in Armenian). The driving culture can be experienced as unfamiliar. Driver’s cars can be rented through most hotels in Yerevan. Taxis are easily accessible in Yerevan and in most other cities. Bargaining is fairly common, especially for longer trips. Taxi apps (GG Taxi, Yandex Taxi, etc.) are available in English, and their cars are equipped with a taximeter. Public transport can be experienced as crowded/uncomfortable and does not always keep the timetable.
The National Church is an important institution in Armenia. Conservative attitudes are widespread. High alcohol consumption may be perceived by many as inappropriate. Armenians are generally very hospitable and often invite guests to dinner, sightseeing, etc.
There are many ATMs in Yerevan that accept Visa, American Express and MasterCard. The ATMs only pay out Armenian dram (AMD). It is possible to exchange USD in exchange kiosks in the city but these can be difficult to find. Some restaurants and shops in Yerevan accept payment by credit card. Although prices are often quoted in USD, it is illegal to pay with USD.
There are severe penalties for the use and possession of drugs. The conditions in the prisons are very different from in Norway.
The Armenian border limit is set to 0.0.
Embassy of Norway in Moscow (also covers Armenia)
Address: Ulitsa Povarskaja 7, 115127 Moscow
Nearest Subway Stop: Arbatskaja (light blue line)
Phone: +7 499 951 1000
Fax: +7 499 951 1001
Email: emb.moscow@mfa.no
Website: https://www.norway.no/ru/russia/
Office Hours: 09.00-17.00 (16.00 Friday). Daylight saving time: 09.00-16.00
Visa and passport regulations for Armenians upon entry to Norway: Armenian citizens must have a visa for entry into Norway. Schengen visas are applied for and issued at the French embassy in Yerevan.
Embassy of the Republic of France
Address: 8 Grigor Lusavorich Street, Yerevan 0015, Armenia
Phone: +374 60 651950
Email: cad.erevan-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Website: http: //www.ambafrance-am. org /
Office hours: 09.30-13.00 and 15.00-18.00.
Armenian Embassy in Norway: Armenia has no embassy in Norway, but covers relations with Norway from its embassy in Copenhagen.
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Denmark:
Address: Ryvangs Alle 50, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Phone: +45 3582 2900
Fax: +45 3583 2900
E-mail: armembdk@mfa.am
Website: www.denmark.mfa.am/en/