Armenia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Armenia.
Healthcare System
Armenia has a mixed public-private healthcare system. Public healthcare is available but often underfunded with outdated equipment. Private clinics in Yerevan offer better quality care and are the preferred option for tourists. Medical facilities outside the capital are significantly more limited.
Hospitals
In Yerevan, Nairi Medical Center, Erebouni Medical Center, and Armenia Medical Center are among the better private facilities frequented by expatriates and tourists. These accept international patients and some have English-speaking doctors. Payment is typically required upfront or proof of insurance coverage must be provided.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka) are widely available in Yerevan and major towns, often identified by a green cross. Many common medications are available over-the-counter without prescription. Pharmacists can be helpful but may not speak English. Bring generic names of medications as brand names differ. Some Western medications may be unavailable, so bring essential prescriptions with you.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as this may be necessary for serious conditions. Many healthcare facilities require upfront payment or insurance guarantees before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's notes
- Keep copies of prescriptions with generic drug names in case you need refills
- Consider medical evacuation insurance, as serious conditions may require transfer to Georgia or Europe
- Drink bottled water in rural areas; tap water in Yerevan is generally safe but may cause stomach upset
- Altitude sickness can occur in mountainous regions; acclimatize gradually if hiking at high elevations
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas, markets, and public transportation. However, rates are lower than in many European capitals.
The borders with Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and Nakhchivan, are active conflict zones with ongoing military tensions, landmines, and periodic armed clashes. These areas are extremely dangerous.
Road conditions vary significantly, with poor road quality outside major cities, aggressive driving, inadequate lighting, and livestock on roads. Winter conditions can be treacherous in mountainous areas.
Armenia's high elevation (Yerevan is at 1,000m, many attractions are higher) can cause altitude sickness, particularly for those hiking Mount Aragats or visiting high-altitude monasteries.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in former conflict zones and near borders, posing serious risks to those who stray from marked paths.
Stray dogs are common in both urban and rural areas. While most are harmless, some may be aggressive or carry diseases like rabies.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers, especially at the airport or train station, may quote inflated prices to tourists or claim the meter is broken. Some may take unnecessarily long routes.
Unofficial money changers or some exchange offices may offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to short-change customers or swap bills during counting.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants may add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for bread or water that you assumed was complimentary, or bring expensive items without mentioning the price.
Individuals posing as police may approach tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash or valuables during the 'inspection.'
Vendors near major attractions like Geghard or Garni may charge significantly inflated prices for souvenirs, dried fruits, or honey compared to markets in Yerevan.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for longer stays
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, visa) separately from originals
- Learn basic Armenian or Russian phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Carry small denominations of Armenian Dram (AMD) as many places don't accept cards outside Yerevan
- Be aware that ATMs may be scarce in rural areas; withdraw cash in cities
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas as mobile coverage can be limited
Transportation Safety
- Use only official taxis or ride-hailing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles
- Marshrutkas (minibuses) are cheap but can be crowded and driven aggressively; keep valuables secure
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Carry an international driving permit along with your regular license
- Fill up on fuel before traveling to remote areas as gas stations are sparse
- Avoid driving at night outside cities due to poor lighting, road conditions, and livestock
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries (covered shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Avoid discussing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or making comparisons with Azerbaijan
- Be respectful at genocide memorials and avoid taking selfies at solemn sites
- Armenians are generally very hospitable; it's polite to accept offered food or drink
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants but not mandatory
Health Precautions
- Tap water is generally safe in Yerevan but drink bottled water in rural areas
- Be cautious with street food; choose busy vendors with high turnover
- Sun protection is essential, especially at high altitudes where UV is stronger
- Insect repellent is recommended for rural areas in summer
- Be aware of your alcohol limits; Armenian cognac and wine are strong and hospitality is generous
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating, as hygiene standards vary
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Carry only what you need for the day when sightseeing
- Credit cards are accepted in Yerevan but cash is essential elsewhere
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash in a separate location from your main wallet
- Be discreet when withdrawing money from ATMs; use machines inside banks when possible
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (VivaCell-MTS, Ucom, or Beeline)
- Download translation apps (Armenian and Russian) for offline use
- Save important numbers in your phone including your embassy and emergency contacts
- WiFi is widely available in Yerevan cafes and hotels but unreliable in rural areas
- Consider a portable charger as power outages can occur
- Learn to recognize the Armenian alphabet as many signs are not in Latin script
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Armenia is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Violent crime against women is rare, and Armenian culture is relatively conservative, which can actually make it safer in some respects. However, women may experience unwanted attention, particularly from men in bars or nightlife areas. Traditional gender roles are still prevalent, and women traveling alone may be seen as unusual in rural areas, though this typically results in extra hospitality rather than hostility.
- Dress modestly, especially outside Yerevan and when visiting religious sites; this reduces unwanted attention
- Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas; use taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; Armenian men may be persistent but usually respect clear boundaries
- Solo women in bars or nightclubs may attract more attention; consider going with a group or to reputable establishments
- Wear a wedding ring or mention a husband/boyfriend if you want to discourage unwanted advances
- In rural areas, you may receive extra attention due to being unusual, but this is typically friendly curiosity
- Trust your instincts; Armenians are generally very respectful and helpful toward women
- Consider staying in well-reviewed accommodations with good security, especially in Yerevan
- Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) are safe but can be crowded; be aware of your personal space
- Women-only compartments don't exist on trains, but overnight trains are generally safe
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Armenia (decriminalized in 2003), and the age of consent is equal. However, there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. The Armenian Apostolic Church and society are generally conservative on LGBTQ+ issues.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; avoid public displays of affection
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly, especially outside Yerevan
- There is a small, underground LGBTQ+ community in Yerevan but no openly gay bars or venues
- Same-sex couples should book accommodations carefully; consider booking twin beds rather than a double
- Be aware that local attitudes may be unwelcoming; prioritize personal safety over visibility
- Avoid wearing rainbow symbols or other LGBTQ+ identifiers that could attract unwanted attention
- Register with your embassy if you're concerned about your safety
- Connect with LGBTQ+ organizations like PINK Armenia before traveling for current advice
- Rural areas are significantly more conservative than Yerevan; exercise extra caution
- Consider Armenia's social climate carefully when planning your trip; some LGBTQ+ travelers may prefer more accepting destinations in the region
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Armenia due to the limited quality of public healthcare, potential need for medical evacuation, risks associated with adventure activities in mountainous terrain, and the geopolitical situation. Medical treatment often requires upfront payment, and serious conditions may necessitate expensive evacuation to Georgia or Europe. The cost of evacuation alone can exceed $50,000, making comprehensive insurance critical.
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