Restrictions for Armenian Citizens Entering Artsakh

Citizens of the Republic of Armenia intending to visit the Republic of Artsakh should be aware of the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic regarding entry into the territory of Artsakh. This information was shared on the Facebook page of the Unified Information Platform.

According to the decree of the President of Artsakh dated April 12, 2020, declaring a state of emergency in the Republic of Artsakh, the entry of individuals who do not hold Artsakh citizenship (registration) through state border checkpoints is prohibited.

Exceptions to this entry ban are made by Order No. 1 of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor Grigor Martirosyan dated April 13, 2020, for specific categories:

1. For drivers and one accompanying person of transport vehicles engaged in freight transport: They must present documents confirming the fact of freight transportation to the tax authorities at the state border checkpoint, after which the duty officers will verify the commercial quantity of the imported goods externally and notify the checkpoint police.
2. For individuals engaged in agricultural or gardening work: They must apply in writing or verbally to the relevant district administration at least two days before the intended date of entry. If the verification confirms the necessity for urgent agricultural work, the data will be sent to the checkpoint electronically.
3. For urgent economic or production needs: Interested organizations must apply at least three days before the intended date of entry to the competent state authority requesting permission, with justifications for the necessity. The authority may recommend the entry of representatives based on these justifications.
4. For urgent healthcare needs: Such needs must be recognized as urgent by the Minister of Health of Artsakh, based on applications received from interested parties.
5. For attending funeral services: Entry is permitted for immediate relatives of the deceased, following verification by the police regarding their relationship to the deceased.
6. For official visits: These visits refer to delegations from state management bodies of Armenia and other countries invited to Artsakh by the President or other official authorities.
7. For the needs of the Defense Army: The transfer of personnel and military equipment will be organized by the Ministry of Defense of Artsakh.

According to the same decision of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor, individuals entering the Republic of Artsakh will undergo immediate special inspections for the presence of any infection or symptoms of the disease. They will also be advised to minimize contact with others and maintain social distancing during their stay.

If symptoms of infection are detected, hospitalization and other restrictive measures will be applied. Refusal to undergo medical examination or hospitalization may restrict that individual's movement within defined areas for the purpose of examination, treatment, and prevention of further spread of the infection.