Armenia – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Last Update: Reissued with updates to the Travel Advisory level and “Do Not Travel” areas.

Exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• The border region with Azerbaijan.
• The Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories due to recent hostilities.

Following the September 13-15 military actions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of shelling inside Armenia, U.S. Embassy employees and their families are prohibited from any non-essential travel to the following locations:

• Tavush region along the M4 highway north of Ijevan and all areas eastward.
• Gegharkunik region east of Lake Sevan.
• Gegharkunik region south of Lake Sevan and east of the M10 highway. 
• Yeraskh village in Ararat region.
• Vayots Dzor region, east of Yeghegnadzor
• Syunik region
• Travel to Nagorno-Karabakh continues to be prohibited.

Country Summary:

Until September 2020 the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other territories internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan were under Armenian- control.  In connection with seven weeks of armed hostilities over Nagorno-Karabakh in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan took control over the seven territories as well as parts of Nagorno-Karabakh.  While the November 2020 ceasefire arrangement has largely held, military actions along the border occur on a regular basis.  From September 13-15, military actions took place along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, which included damage to towns near the border.    

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Armenia.

If you decide to travel to Armenia:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Armenia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Azerbaijan – Level 4: Do not Travel

There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.  U.S. citizens should avoid the area.  Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan.  Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice.  Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.  The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region as well as the other areas of Armenia listed above.

Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh due to landmine contamination and restricted access.