Armenia – American Research Institute of the South Caucasus

Update on COVID-19 in Armenia

ARISC is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Armenia, and following local regulations in a rapidly changing environment. Following local policies and recommendations, our offices are closed and our staff are working remotely. You can reach our staff by email: Armenia@arisc.org

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory to Armenia: Level 2 – Exercise increased caution (as of November 15, 2022)
CDC Travel Advisory to Armenia: (as of December 30, 2022)

As of December 26, 2022, Armenia has 445976 confirmed cases (out of which 435162 confirmed recoveries, and 8716 deaths) of Covid-19 within its borders. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Armenia declared a State of Emergency March 16, 2020. On August 12, 2020, this State of Emergency was extended for the fifth time for an additional 30 days, through September 11, 2020. On September 11, 2020 the State of Emergency was terminated and the quarantine on the territory of the Republic of Armenia due to COVID-19 was extended till June 20, 2022.

Restrictions on entry of non-Armenian citizens to the Republic of Armenia have been lifted and U.S. citizens are permitted to enter via air or land border.

Changes in the procedure of the entry to the Republic of Armenia

According to the amendments of the Government Decree: № 1514-N of September 11, 2020, which entered into force on May 1, 2022:

The passengers are NO LONGER REQUIRED to present a COVID-19 PCR test or a Certificate of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to enter the Republic of Armenia.

For foreigners, the entry to the Republic of Armenia continues to remain open both via air and land borders.

The quarantine on the territory of the Republic of Armenia due to COVID-19 has been extended till June 20, 2022.

You can find more information on PCR testing and a list of COVID-19 testing laboratories at the Zvartnots International Airport website: http://www.zvartnots.aero/EN/News?ID=3156.

The average cost of COVID-19 testing in Armenia is roughly 30 USD. Individuals seeking COVID-19 tests are responsible for the costs of the test. Individuals demonstrating COVID-like symptoms may be administered the test for medical reasons by a polyclinic or hospital. Testing labs will email a copy of the results, while a physical copy can be picked up from the lab. You can find additional information here: https://www.moh.am/#3/0

Individuals exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 may be asked to self-monitor or self-quarantine for 14 days following exposure. During the monitoring or quarantine period, health officials may check individuals’ conditions. Individuals exhibiting severe symptoms may be hospitalized for further treatment.

Waivers to the testing requirement for travelers to the United States may be granted by the CDC on an extremely limited basis when extraordinary emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s health and safety, and testing cannot be completed before travel. There are no waivers available for individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at ACSYerevan@state.gov. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will then submit the request to the CDC for consideration. Per the requirement to have a COVID-19 test to enter the United States, for information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information1.html

The government has approved the following vaccines: Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. Vaccines are available to the public in Armenia at this time. Armenia has received some quantities of Sputnik V, Sinovac, Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca, available to the public. Vaccines are available and free of charge for non-Armenian citizens. Non-Armenian citizens can receive vaccines only at mobile clinics in Yerevan.

Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Transportation Options:

Commercial flights are available. Within Armenia, public transportation is open.

Information on airline routes and flight options can be found below. Please contact the airlines or a local travel agency to book travel.

Please check with the airlines for specific requirements or restrictions related to COVID-19. Many of these airlines require a negative COVID test for passengers departing Armenia. Passengers should also check the transit and entry/exit requirements for any countries to be transited or visited. Note that most of the airlines listed below do not meet the Fly America Act requirement.

Aeroflot Russian Airlines since 8 March, 2022 has temporarily suspended international flights. Aeroflot operates flights to Yerevan.

Air Company Armenia operates flights to and from several Russian cities and to Georgia, Tbilisi.

Air France operates two flights from Yerevan to Paris per week.

Austrian Airlines is currently operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Belavia Belarusian Airlines operates daily flights from Yerevan to Minsk.

Fly Dubai operates flights from Yerevan to Dubai Mondays and Fridays.

Middle East Airlines operates flights from Yerevan to Beirut every Tuesday and Saturday.

Qatar Airways operates a daily flight between Yerevan and Doha.

Ukraine International Airlines continues suspending flights until February 19, 2023 inclusive.

Wizz Air operates flights from Vilnius, Vienna, Abu Dhabi on every Monday and Friday to Yerevan. The first flights from from Dortmund, Sofia, Prague, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo, Katowice to Yerevan is in the end of April, 2023. Please visit the website for updates on flights.

Lot Polish Airlines, Aegean Airlines restored flights to Yerevan.

Air Arabia, Ryan Air have cancelled flights through 2021.

Local Resources:

Gov of Armenia: https://www.gov.am/en/

Ministry of Health of Armenia: www.moh.am

Armenian National Center for Disease Control: www.ncdc.am

Ministry of Health hotline number (local dial only): 8003

Special Commission Hotline: 8141

Special Commission # for those living abroad: +374 11208141

Armenia National Center for Disease Control hotline: +374 (0) 60 83 83 00 or +374 (0)10-550-601 or +374 (0)10-550-602

Other Links:
Travel.state.gov Country Information on Armenia and Travel Advisory page.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest travel information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your specific travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit the WHO Health Page for more information about COVID-19. WHO Health Topics: Coronavirus.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions and entry procedures into the United States.

Updated January 30, 2023.

Representative for Armenia (Armenia “at” arisc. org)

Ani Apresyan is a political scientist based in Yerevan, Armenia. She had graduated from Yerevan State University in 2003 with Master Degree in International Relations. In 2016-2018 she studied Democracy and Governance in Johan Skyttee Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu, and had graduated with Master of Arts in Social Sciences. She has an extensive experience with several international non-governmental organizations in Armenia in the spheres of strengthening democratic governance processes. In 2013 she worked in and later cooperated with International Foundation for Electoral Systems Armenia Branch on providing consultancy and trainings for precinct election commissions. In 2014 Ani was involved as project research analyst for Center for Electoral Democracy NGO to make research and comparative analysis of direct democracy mechanisms and types. In 2019 she cooperated with local organization to develop a voter education and information campaign questionnaire after 2018 Parliamentary elections. In 2020-2021 Ani was providing consultancy to ForumCiv Eastern Europe office for needs assessment and context analysis for target groups in Armenia. Ani has profound experience in coordination and management of projects while working in Armenian Red Cross Society, World Vision Armenia and state institutions.

She is specialized in electoral systems, administration, and voter education with extensive experience conducting training and consultancy in electoral procedures and voter education. Her research interests include voter behavior, direct democracy, political parties and political finance.

ARISC Armenia Branch

The ARISC Armenia Branch ensures ARISC a permanent presence in Armenia. It serves as a hub where visiting scholars to Armenia can meet, seek logistical support, have access to a computer with internet and printing facility.

You could also learn more about the available long-term lodging here: http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/

Information on flights and flight services is available at: http://zvartnots.am

Comprehensive information on food services in Armenia is available on this website: https://www.menu.am/en/

A list of qualified interpreters in Armenia, at:

http://www.conference.am/translation.html

Information about Yerevan is available at:

http://www.myyerevan.am/en/#

https://visityerevan.am/en/

Information about Armenian events is available at:

http://www.armeniancalendar.com/

These are some of the services we can assist scholars with. For additional help and information, please do not hesitate to contact us at: armenia “at” arisc.org
Looking forward to help you with assistance and advice here, in Armenia.