Armenia is one of those countries that always attract tourists from Russia for its proximity, accessibility and unique tourist sites. Availability visa-free regime between Armenia and Russia is another reason to visit this beautiful and hospitable country.
Do I need a passport to Armenia and other documents required for the trip
On September 25, 2000, the intergovernmental agreement of Armenia and Russia resolved the issue of the absence of a visa regime. That is, for Russians, a visa to Armenia is not needed, as well as for Armenians coming to Russia. Such an agreement is valid not only for Russians, but also for other closest neighbors of Armenia. For example, citizens from CIS countries can enter Armenia without a visa, but residents of the Baltic states - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia - will need it.
However, other documents are required in order to cross the border with Armenia. Therefore, if you do not know whether a passport to Armenia is needed, the answer is first and foremost. The main requirement is that it expire no earlier than three months after the tourist returns to Russia. Instead of a passport, one of the following documents can be presented at the border control:
- service passport;
- diplomatic passport;
- seafarer's identity card.
However, a limited number of citizens arriving in Armenia for work have these documents. For all others - only a foreign passport.
In addition to it, you will need:
- Russian passport or certificate in case of loss of a document.
- For children under 14 years of age, birth certificate, for older children - a passport of the Russian Federation.
- If necessary, a completed customs declaration.
- Special documents for the flight crew, sailors and diplomats (for business trips, a trip to Armenia does not require these documents).
What to do if a passport is lost in Armenia
The answer to the question whether a passport to Armenia is needed has been received, but is it needed for the return trip? Yes, the same set of documents as when entering the country is needed for the return trip. However, it may happen that during the trip the passport will be lost or stolen. You won’t be able to return without him.
Therefore, you need to contact one of the following organizations:
- Embassy of the Russian Federation, Yerevan, st. Grigor Lusavorich, d.13a.
- Consulate General of the Russian Federation, Gyumri, ul. Garegin Nzhdeh, d. 1.
There you will need to write a statement in response to which they will issue a certificate authorizing entry into Russia. You will have to pay for the certificate, the exact amount is better to clarify at the embassy or on its website, but approximately this amount is 70 dollars. For reference, you will need to confirm your identity by presenting a passport of the Russian Federation or rights. If there are no documents, the consulate or embassy will need time to confirm their identity.
The certificate for returning to the Russian Federation is valid for 2 weeks, and within this period you need to leave the country. If for some reason this did not work out, the certificate is done again (and, of course, paid again).
How to cross the border
When passing through passport control, a tourist will receive an impression in a foreign passport. It is placed on a free page of a document. Also at the checkpoint they can ask a question about the purpose of the visit to Armenia and the planned length of stay.
Naturally, personal search and inspection of baggage for the transportation of weapons, narcotic substances or goods prohibited for transportation will be carried out.
What can and cannot be transported across the border of Armenia
Except for weapons, poisons and explosives, as well as drugs, which are forbidden to be transported across any borders around the world, there is nothing that could not be brought to Armenia or taken out of it. However, certain restrictions have been introduced on the import of certain goods.
So, for example, without imposing duties, you can take out only 3 liters of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes from the country. All antique and artistic values transported across the border must have special permission from the Ministry of Culture of Armenia. This applies to gems, and antique or collectible coins.
You can also easily hold caviar sturgeon fish in the amount of not more than half a kilogram.
If necessary, medications can be brought into the country, but only for personal use and no more than 5 packs, however, if the medicines contain drugs, they are forbidden to be transported.
Weapons are not allowed, but a hunting rifle and cartridges can be brought to it, but with the permission of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia.
There are no restrictions on the transport of currency, but if you want to import more than 15 thousand euros, this must be declared. Currency will also have to be declared upon export if its amount is more than 5 million drams.
If you are transporting animals, prepare a veterinary certificate and passport. A large animal from Armenia will fly in the luggage compartment, and a small one in a special cage or carriage will be allowed to take to the cabin. Also, animals are regarded as baggage, so they are weighed and weight is considered along with your suitcases.
Duration of stay in the country for Russians
According to the already mentioned intergovernmental agreement of 2000, the period of stay in the country could be three months, but in 2014 an agreement was adopted limiting the stay of Russians in Armenia for a period of 30 days. Those tourists who are planning a longer trip to Armenia will need to make temporary registration and obtain a residence permit. To do this, contact the passport and visa service.
Features of visiting other countries across the border of Armenia
Armenia borders with such countries as Georgia, Turkey, Iran. All these countries can be visited while in Armenia, but it is required to take into account a number of features.
For example, to travel to Turkey you will need a multiple visa issued by the consulate. In order to go to another country across the Armenian border with a child, it is necessary that not only the data on the children be entered on the passport of one of the parents, but also their photos should be pasted.
Also, only through Armenia can you get to Nagorno-Karabakh - an unrecognized republic. For this, you do not need a visa, you only need a passport. At the checkpoint they will only carry out an inspection, they will not put a stamp on their passport, since its presence can make it difficult to visit other countries, such as Azerbaijan.
Tourists who know whether they need a passport to Armenia, as well as those who have information about other nuances of crossing the border, will not be difficult to plan a trip to this country.
