Security Overview for Armenia

Since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in September 1991, Armenia's attempted transition to a democratic political system and a market-based economy has been slow due to economic conditions and regional military conflicts.

Most crime incidents are limited to pick-pocketing and other petty theft. Travelers should exercise caution in crowded places and markets. Avoid walking alone at night. Credit and debit cards should be used with caution because of the potential for fraud and other criminal activity.

Violent crime has dropped in recent years. Criminals in Yerevan are more likely to use sharp objects such as knives, rather than firearms, when committing crimes.

Overland travel through Armenia can be dangerous and should be limited to daylight hours as a precaution. Armed gangs have been known to operate on the Yerevan-Tbilisi highway. Police may set up roadblocks to search vehicles. Avoid long-distance train travel because of the high threat of crime. If you travel by train, do not leave your compartment unattended; ensure that the cabin door is secure from the inside. Ethnic conflicts have occasionally interrupted services of the Trans-Caucasian Railway's main line between Baku, Azerbaijan and Yerevan.

Criminals are active on public transportation, in stations and on commuter transport. Taxis are safe, but it is advisable to use only taxis hired through hotels. A private car with a driver is the most secure method of transportation in Yerevan. When arriving in country by air, arrange to be met at the airport. Thieves have been known to target travelers on the roads leaving the airport.

Demonstrations in Yerevan typically begin in the vicinity of the Opera House or the president's office. Recent protests have been orderly and peaceful, but avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as a precaution.

There are no known terrorist groups in Armenia.

Kidnapping is not a threat in Armenia, and no kidnappings of foreigners have been reported.

Armenia has had troublesome relations with some of its neighbors. A conflict with Azerbaijan over the status of the Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh started in 1988 and has left approximately 25,000 dead. Despite attempts at peace talks, the region remains unstable. Armenia's borders with Turkey, Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic remain closed. Avoid all travel to these areas.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.