Foreign Affairs Canada publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians with Armenian citizenship may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes, and should check their status with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted in Armenian society.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Photography of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Armenia - YEREVAN, Consulate of Canada
Address: 1 Amirian Street, Hotel Marriott, Suite 306
Tel.: 374 (10) 56-79-90 or 374 (91) 40-12-38 (cellular)
Fax: 374 (10) 56-79-90
E-mail: concda@gmail.com

The Embassy of Canada in Moscow, Russia, has consular responsibility for Armenia. The address is as follows:

Russia - MOSCOW, Embassy of Canada
Address: 23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok, 119002 Russia
Tel.: 7 (495) 105-6000
Fax: 7 (495) 105-6004
E-mail: mosco@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.moscow.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and follow the instructions. You may also call Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. It is not possible to make collect calls from Armenia. However, pay phones can be used for international calls. Phone cards are available at newsstands and retail outlets. Most post offices have international telephone facilities. Cabins are equipped with a meter, and payment is made after the call. Internet telephones are now available at Internet cafés.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Armenian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 10, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Armenia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date or your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Although visas can be obtained at major ports of entry, travellers should obtain their visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia before departure in Canada to avoid the possibility of being refused entry or experiencing lengthy delays upon arrival. Armenian visa applications may also be submitted on-line through the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Transit Visa: Required (for stays up to three days)
Tourist Visa: Required (for stays up to 21 days)
Visitors Visa: Required (for stays up to 90 days)
Business Visa: Required

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The economy is primarily cash-based. The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD). U.S. dollars are generally accepted. There are no limitations on exchange of foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared at border crossings. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not accepted everywhere.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Armenia (capital: Yerevan) is located in southwestern Asia, bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The official language is Armenian. Tourist facilities are limited outside Yerevan.

Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to this country. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site. You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited outside Yerevan and serious medical cases may require evacuation to a country equipped with adequate facilities.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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