Safety is your biggest concern when you visit any foreign country. People, who want to visit Armenia always consider the factor of safety and need the exact answer to the question “is Armenia safe to travel?” I guarantee a positive answer and in this article, I’m going to discuss more details.
If you have been in Armenia before, then you already know the welcoming feeling of being here. The locals are quick to help you if you seem to be confused or lost. You will experience their helpful nature by opening a map while standing on a street corner. Within seconds, someone will ask you if you need help. It is also comforting to know that there are uniformed police officers almost everywhere. Although they might not speak English, they will try their best to assist you. The more familiar you are with a place, the more comfortable you will feel staying there. Let's set your mind at ease by letting you know what to expect when in Armenia.
If you decide to travel to Armenia, this mini-guide of useful information will help you. There are many indications that you are in a very safe place. First of all, let me tell you that in 2020 Armenia was recognized as one of the top 10 safest countries in the world with a safety index of 78.40%. Below you may find the most critical aspects that make Armenia a safe country to travel.
Travel Safety in Armenia: Locals
Local Armenians are very kind and hospitable. Be sure, they will do their best to help you and provide any information or direction you require. It is easy to make friends with Armenians as they are willing to support you. They may even accompany you and show any address you want to find. They will tell you interesting stories and even invite you to their house to eat Armenian delicious dishes or at least drink a cup of coffee.
If you happen to visit a cafe or restaurant with an Armenian, be ready that they will like to pay the bill. It is accepted in Armenia. So do not try to share the cost as in such a case you may offend them.
Travel Safety in Armenia:2 Communication
While traveling to Armenia don’t think about whether you will manage to communicate with the locals enough to get whatever information you need and orientate in the district.
Although the older locals speak Armenian and Russian, don't be surprised if a young child or teen says "hello" or "what is your name?" as you approach them. Sometimes this leaves you wondering how they knew that your primary language is English. Those that are learning English will take this opportunity to have a chat with you. You will find the staff at many hotels, cafes and restaurants have someone that will be able to assist you in English.
Travel Safety in Armenia: Transportation
The Armenian cities and towns are easy to navigate on foot. Even in downtown Yerevan, everything is within walking distance. Yerevan also has the added advantage of the metro. You can ride the metro for a mere 100 drams (0.20 USD). The metro is very clean and safe.
Besides the metro, there are also means of public transportation, including buses, minibusses, marshrutkas. Usually, the number of people on these buses is more than required so do not surprise when you have to stand on the bus next to many people. Although the level of robbery is low, you are highly recommended to be careful about your bag and personal items.
If you want to take a taxi instead, they are very cheap. Before you get in a taxi, be sure that you are taking an official taxi with a meter. The official taxis usually have a taxi sign, meter and the company advertisement with a phone number. The minimum taxi fare should be about 600 drams (1.20 USD) for the first 6 kilometers. Each additional kilometer should cost 100 drams (0.20 USD). This is pretty much the same for taxis throughout Armenia.
Here you may also install several applications in your smartphone and order taxies online. It may cost even lower.
When you arrive at Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport avoid using a cab because they are expensive. Instead, take the express airport to the city bus which only costs 300 drams (0.60 USD).
When traveling through Armenia, you will discover that it is not uncommon to see tourists and locals hitch-hiking. Within a very short time, a passing driver will give them a lift. When you talk to these hitch-hikers, they will have glowing reports of the warm hospitality they experienced.
Travel Safety in Armenia: Weather
Armenia is one of the safest countries especially on behalf of the weather. Here you will not experience floods, storms, fires, extreme cold or sweltering hot. This is a country with favorable weather conditions. In any weather in Armenia, you may enjoy your perfect and memorable trip.
Travel Safety in Armenia: Nightlife
In the cities, it is not unusual to see children and adults walking the streets until midnight, especially in the summer. They are out enjoying the cool night air in their parks, plazas, and boulevards. Locals are relaxing at their favorite cafes. Parents are taking their children to the amusement rides in the park. And it is very natural as there is not any fear in this safe land.
Travel Safety in Armenia: Lower Crime Rate
You won’t hear about crimes and robberies in Armenia often. In this regard, this country is safe as well. Terrorist attacks aren’t common as well. And even more, no history of terrorism in Armenia is recorded. However, such misbehavior is something that cannot be ruled out so that everybody should stay aware.
Travel Safety in Armenia: Medical Safety
In Armenia, you don’t face any kind of official vaccination requirement. And in case you have any health problems, you can take the required medicine from one of the many pharmacies. (Keep in mind that there are some drugs that are allowed to buy only with the doctors’ recipe).
Travel Safety in Armenia: Nature
In Armenia, you may travel across the whole country and feel safe and sound. There is no nature restriction. You may visit cities, towns, rural places, wander in the forests, hike mountains, and enjoy your time at the heart of mother nature.
Although there are no dangerous animals in the Armenian forests, yet, do not visit forests that are very far from residential districts. Keep in mind that it is forbidden to cut trees in Armenia. There are also several forest reservoirs where you should follow the rules.
To Sum Up
You should feel very confident and safe in Armenia, but you should also take the same precautions that you would take in any other country. Don't flash your money around in public. Don't walk down dark unlit alleyways at night. Dress appropriately—in other words dress like the locals—dress modestly. Most of all enjoy your stay in Armenia and mix with the locals.
Safety is your biggest concern when you visit any foreign country. If you have been in Armenia before, then you already know the welcoming feeling of being here. The locals are quick to help you if you seem to be confused or lost. You will experience their helpful nature by opening a map while standing on a street corner.
Within seconds, someone will ask you if you need help. It is also comforting to know that there are uniformed police officers almost everywhere. Although they might not speak English, they will try their best to assist you. The more familiar you are with a place, the more comfortable you will feel staying there. Let's set your mind at ease by letting you know what to expect when in Armenia.
Published July 09, 2018
Article by George Casparian
