|
|
back to resources...
|
armenia:
general info
· travel advisories
· getting there
fast facts
· history
· maps
· itinerary
· hostels
tours
· trivia
· forum
· links
· safety
· read reviews
|
|
Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Armenia...
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Yerevan because of the risk of civil unrest. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
A state of emergency has been declared in the capital Yerevan following civil unrest in the centre of the city arising from the disputed presidential elections of 19 February 2008. On 1 March 2008, violent clashes occurred between protesters and security forces and deaths have been reported. Further incidents are possible. Some roads in Yerevan are closed. The state of emergency bans all demonstrations and gives authorities powers to stop and search vehicles. It will remain in effect until 20 March 2008.
You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
Nagorno-Karabakh: We strongly advise you not to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the military occupied area surrounding it because of the unstable security situation. Possession of the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armed conflict broke out there in 1988. Although a 1994 ceasefire still holds, occasional shooting continues along the border and ceasefire line in the Tavush and Gegharkunic regions. Vehicles travelling along the road from Kayan to Noyemberyan are particularly vulnerable. The conflict zone is bordered with landmines.
Crime
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Armenia, because of the risk of criminal activity.
Pickpocketing, petty crime and theft from vehicles are common. Robberies have been reported on train services from Armenia to Georgia.
Local Travel
Armenia's land borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed. There are direct flights operating between Yerevan and Istanbul. Travel in the South Caucasus can be difficult and requires careful planning.
Travellers can experience problems with local officials seeking bribes to perform basic duties.
Driving in Armenia may be dangerous due to local driving practices, poorly maintained roads and vehicles, and inadequate road signs.
Public transport is overcrowded and poorly maintained. Minibuses are particularly dangerous and are frequently involved in accidents.
Armenian emergency, police and medical services may take some time to reach remote regions.
Airline Safety
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
Armenia is in an active earthquake zone. Landslides may occur.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife Watching
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Armenia is predominantly a cash economy and travellers' cheques are rarely accepted.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For Parents
Children travelling alone or with one parent/guardian will require a letter of consent for travel signed by both parents.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
Local Laws
When you are in Armenia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times. The police have the right to stop you to check your documents.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
It is illegal to photograph military personnel and installations.
Homosexuality is not illegal, but is not widely accepted in Armenian society.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Information for Dual Nationals
Armenia's Constitution was changed by referendum in November 2005 to recognise dual nationality. The law on citizenship has recently been amended to permit dual citizenship, but it is still unclear how the law, particularly as it relates to compulsory military service, will be applied. Until the implementation of the legislation is clarified, there could be limitations on the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Armenian dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Armenian dual nationals may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Armenia. If in doubt, check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Armenia well in advance of travel.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Australian citizens require a visa to enter Armenia. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Armenia or the Armenia Foreign Ministry, or email: info@armeniaforeignministry.com well in advance of travel for the most up to date information.
An airport tax of Armenian Dram 10,000 (USD30) is payable on departure.
Health Issues
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities and care is generally limited, especially outside of the capital Yerevan. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation (at considerable cost) to a destination with the appropriate medical facilities would be necessary.
Malaria is a risk in the western border areas of Armenia. Other insect-borne diseases are also a risk to travellers. We encourage you to take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times. Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, typhoid, hepatitis, and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
This Advice was issued on Tuesday, 04 March 2008, 08:59:09, EST.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
|
|
|
