Entry Procedures to Armenia for Citizens of Several Countries Will Be Tightened

Entry procedures for citizens of India, Iraq, and Egypt to the Republic of Armenia will be tightened. This decision was made during today's meeting of the Armenian government.

"It is proposed to grant electronic visas to citizens of these countries in the presence of temporary or permanent residency status (or valid entry visa) from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, Russia, Japan, European Union, Schengen agreement countries, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. A visa will also be provided to the mentioned countries' citizens in the presence of a return flight ticket," the justification for the decision states.

Another requirement for foreign nationals wishing to enter Armenia is an invitation presented by a legal entity operating in Armenia, a state body, a diplomatic representation of a foreign state, or an international organization (application, letter, or recommendation).

The proposal also states that a condition must be established for the citizens of these countries to submit proof of financial means (bank statement, other evidence) when applying through the E-VISA system. The availability of health (travel) insurance is set as a prerequisite for obtaining an electronic visa, as the Armenian Ministry of Health has recorded confirmed cases of tuberculosis among several citizens of India.

It is noted that the vast majority of foreigners arriving in Armenia on a visit visa later apply for residency status based on studies, work, or entrepreneurial activities. Therefore, if a foreigner indicates these categories in the purpose of visit field in the visa application form, this may have a certain significance in the process of examining residency status applications.

The project's aim is to prevent the flow of illegal migrants to Armenia, which leads to several negative consequences, including an increase in crime rates. It is indicated that the likelihood of illegal migrants turning the territory of Armenia into a transit zone for movement to European countries is increasing, which could severely negatively impact the EU's visa liberalization process.

Additionally, according to the results of the study conducted by the Armenian National Security Service on the current situation of migration flows, from January 1, 2024, to August 28, 2024, 11,965 citizens from India, 658 citizens from Egypt, and 255 citizens from Iraq have arrived in Armenia and are currently residing illegally.