Armenia

Quick Overview

Capital: Yerevan
Population: 2.925 million
Official language: Armenian
Time zone: Armenian Time (AMT)
Emergency #: 103
Vaccinations required: No
Risk of malaria: No
Climate Info

Armenia: Travel Health Information

Armenia (officially the Republic of Armenia) features travel destinations such as Geghard Monastery, Cafesjian Center for the Arts, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, and Erebuni Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve. 

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in Armenia may differ from your home country. Armenia has both public and private health sectors. Although the country has many competent physicians, medical facilities are limited and do not meet international standards, especially outside major cities. Rural facilities are often poorly equipped and report a lack of medical specialists and ambulatory services.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals typically require upfront payment with cash, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Medical evacuation to Western Europe is common for serious medical emergencies. Ensure you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Armenia.

Pharmacies and medications

Most prescription medications are available, but shortages can occur and specific medications may be unavailable. Armenia now requires patients to have a prescription for many medications that could previously be purchased over the counter, including antibiotics and specially-controlled medications. Due to limited pharmaceutical regulation, fake medication is a common concern. Avoid purchasing medication from markets or unlicensed pharmacies. 

If you are travelling with medication, check with Armenia's embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review Armenia's regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Road conditions in Armenia tend to be poor. Public transport is inexpensive but unreliable and vehicles are not maintained to safety standards. Road traffic rules may be inconsistently followed and enforced. The road traffic death rate is relatively low but accidents often involve pedestrians so you should exercise caution when walking near roads. There is a national seat belt law applied to all passengers.


  • Richardson, E. (2013). Armenia: Health system review. Health Systems in Transition. Vol. 15 No. 4.
  • World Health Organization: Global Health Observatory (GHO) data: Armenia.
  • World Health Organization. (2015). Global status report on road safety 2015. Geneva: World Health Organization.
  • Zopunyan, V., Krmoya, S. & Quinn, R. (2013). Identifying the gaps: Armenian health care legislation and human rights in patient care protections. Health and Human Rights Journal. Vol. 15 No. 2.

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