Armenia started issuing biometric passports and identity documents for its citizens on 31 October! This system is a cornerstone of Armenia’s broader reform of its passport and identity document system and it brings the EU and Armenia closer together.
Secure biometric passports and reliable identity systems to prevent fraud and protect personal data are important preconditions for visa-free travel with the EU.
The visa liberalisation dialogue between the EU and Armenia is a structured process, with clear reform benchmarks in key areas such as document safety, border management, migration, law enforcement and human rights. The launch of the biometric identity system represents tangible progress in strengthening travel document security.
The Vassilis Maragos, EU Ambassador and Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, joined the Government of Armenia in celebrating this milestone in the inaugural ceremony.
The EU is pleased to be supporting this important reform via the Resilience and Growth Plan. Over EUR 6 million will be disbursed within the multisector budget support programme in the coming year, while a EUR 2 million project implemented by the Lithuania’s Ministry of Interior is providing technical assistance.
The EU-Armenia visa liberalisation dialogue was launched in September 2024. It is based on an action plan with concrete reform objectives on four areas (i) security of travel documents; ii) border, migration and asylum management; iii) public order and security issues; and iv) fundamental rights issues related to the freedom of movement.
The first progress report on the implementation of the Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation (VLAP) was published in May 2026.
