Schengen Visa Rejections Decrease: Armenia Receives Evaluation

The European Commission has presented Armenia with the first report on the progress of implementing the Visa Liberalization Action Plan. On May 5, 2026, the European Commission delivered the first report on the implementation of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP) to Armenia. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia, the document records the clear political commitment of the Armenian authorities to implement the necessary reforms for visa liberalization with the EU.

The dialogue on visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU officially began in September 2024, and the Action Plan was delivered in November 2025. It involves the fulfillment of 74 benchmarks, which are implemented in two phases: establishing the appropriate legislative and policy framework and ensuring their practical application.

The first report evaluates progress towards the first group of benchmarks, focusing on the legislative and policy frameworks in four areas: document security, border management, migration and asylum governance, public order and security, and fundamental rights and external relations. The EU highly appreciates the fact that the government has already initiated or planned significant changes required.

The report outlines the steps taken in four main directions:

• Document Security: A new law on the "State Register of Population" was adopted in July 2025 to create a unified electronic register. A public-private partnership agreement has been signed to modernize the biometric system, ensuring compliance with ICAO's high standards.
• Border Management, Migration, and Asylum Governance: A comprehensive strategy for Border Management (IBM) for 2026-2029 is being developed. Administrative services have been digitized, and an electronic system for citizenship affairs will be launched in January 2026. Cooperation in the area of readmission is also being strengthened.
• Public Order and Security: The anti-corruption system has been strengthened since 2018. The development of the "Crime Prevention Strategy for 2026-2033" has begun. A Center for Crime Statistics and Research has been established within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A new Action Plan for combating trafficking will be adopted in 2026. The establishment of an independent authority for personal data protection has also been positively evaluated.
• Fundamental Rights: The law on "Prevention and Combatting Discrimination" is being developed. New legislation on children's rights was adopted in 2025.

The Commission emphasizes that the evaluation is conducted through an outcome-oriented approach and highlights the importance of consistent implementation of all benchmarks. The report also includes recommendations to fill gaps.

According to the report, the number of Schengen visas granted to Armenian citizens increased from 51,000 in 2019 to 86,300 in 2024, with the share of multiple-entry permits at 43.5%. The rejection rate of visas has decreased.

The dialogue on visa liberalization will continue until all benchmarks are fully met. The Commission will continue monitoring with the support of EU experts, and new evaluation missions will be organized in the near future. The EU will continue to support reforms within the framework of the "Resilience and Growth" program.