Armenia : Safety by City
Armenia, officially known as the Republic of Armenia is a country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia.
This landlocked country shares its borders with Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Iran to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and Azerbaijan’s Naxcivan exclave to the southwest.
Geographically, an interesting fact about this country is that – as high as 5% of Armenia’s territory consists of Lake Sevan (Sevana Lich), which is the largest lake in the Lesser Caucasus mountain range.
Apart from this, Armenia flaunts remarkable natural landscapes: due to its mountains and mountain valleys, Armenia’s climate varies a great deal, and it’s not just climate that varies from region to region: Armenia’s scenery is gorgeous, with dry areas to a lush forest at the top of mountain ridges.
As for attractions in this country – you can choose from medieval monasteries all over the country (known as the number-one attraction), gorgeous landscapes perfect for hiking and climbing (if you’re the nature-loving type), and the wonderful experience of visiting Yerevan – which many say is the most endearing landmark to visit while here.
Warnings & Dangers in Armenia
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Armenia is overall safe to travel to, with considerably low crime rates and even pickpockets not being that much of an issue. However, it is advised that you remain vigilant at all times, especially when crossing the streets.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Transport is generally safe in Armenia, but be careful when taking a taxi, especially at Zvartnots International Airport. There might be taxi drivers trying to overcharge you ridiculously for a drive to town.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing exists in Armenia and you should remain vigilant and make sure not to flash your belongings in crowded places such as bus or train stations, or public transport. Be careful and keep your valuables close by your side.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Floods are the biggest natural threat in Armenia: there was a flooding in 2010 that caused an estimated US$ 10 million in damage. Armenia also faces droughts, hail storms and landslides.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
It is not likely you will get mugged or kidnapped in Armenia. Crime rates are generally not too high and violent crime against tourists is unlikely. Still, don't let your guard down and stay away from dark and deserted areas of bigger cities.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Armenia's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
There is the issue of scams in Armenia, just like in any other country, and the most common ones are credit card and ATM scams. Be careful when picking up your many from ATMs, especially those that accept VISA credit cards: they might withdraw money from your account but not deliver it to you! Always negotiate everything in advance, double check your change and never pay anything upfront. Never accept drinks from strange people or leave your drink unattended.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Armenia is definitely safe for solitary female. Just use your common sense and have your wits with you. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night and finding yourself in places filled with drunken people.
So... How Safe Is Armenia Really?
Generally, Armenia is safe to travel to and Yerevan is really not a dangerous city to be in.
However, even though crime rates in Armenia are not through the roof, it is still recommended that you remain vigilant at all times, especially at night.
Use common sense if you’re going out at night, especially if you plan on drinking because you might encounter people willing to start a fight.
As for scams, there are some well-known scams related to ATM machines, particularly ATMs that accept VISA cards, where the machine withdraws cash from your account, but you receive no money!
Another known scam happens on Zvartnots International Airport, with people asking tourists if they need a taxi, and when they find people who do, they take them to a taxi that costs two or three times more than a regular taxi.
Whatever they say, do not trust those people, even if they’ve already packed up all your luggage in the trunk: taxi rides from the airports usually cost around 2,000-3,000 dram instead of the 10,000 drams they are asking.
They can be very convincing saying that the ride really costs that much, and that’s how many tourists have been tricked.
Generally, be careful when using taxis and other means of transport: if you want to check if a car is a real taxi, look at the number plate: if it is yellow or the first are 3 digit numbers (and NOT 2 digit), then it is a taxi you can use and not worry about getting scammed.
How Does Armenia Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Armenia | 60 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Canada | 88 |
| Estonia | 82 |
| Albania | 75 |
| Czech Republic | 88 |
| Latvia | 80 |
Useful Information
- Visas - Many nationals, such as EU and US nationals do not need an entry visa for Armenia and can stay usually a maximum of 90 days per visit. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency - Armenia dram is the official currency in Armenia. ATMs are widely used throughout the country, but credit cards aren't accepted as much as in other parts of Europe: you can use them in better hotels, restaurants and some shops in the capitals.
- Weather - Climate in Armenia varies from dry subtropical to the mountain tundra climate. In Yerevan, July is the hottest month with average temperatures reaching as high as 27°C and the coldest month is January with temperatures of -3°C.
- Airports - Zvartnots International Airport is the main international airport in Armenia. It is located near Zvartnots, about 12 km west of Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Armenia since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
Armenia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 2 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 34 | 30 | 22 | 13 | 5 |
| Low °C | -6 | -4 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 3 | -2 |
| High °F | 36 | 41 | 55 | 68 | 77 | 86 | 95 | 93 | 86 | 72 | 55 | 41 |
| Low °F | 21 | 25 | 36 | 46 | 54 | 61 | 68 | 68 | 59 | 48 | 37 | 28 |
See you
Young people are moving to Europe due to economic crisis and unemployment in Armenia made the country to have just older Soviet brain people. Expect they have amazing natural places to visit but still so boring country with its unrich culture.
Respect for women is lovely but you still should be careful with taki driver.
So boring country with its uncultured people and poor culture. Poverty rate is so high. Robbery and rude behavior by local people are also extreme level. Don’t reccomend
Armenia is Awesome!
Uncultured? How stupid are you! 4,000 years plus history. Yerevan crawling with gorgeous women. Best wines and brandy in the world. Opera, music, open air cafes everywhere. Friendliest people I’ve ever met in any country. Get real. GO back to Baku or whatever shit hole city you’re from.
nice
You’re not very bright, are you? As a matter of fact, you’re not bright at all? Please do us a favor and don’t use a computer’s keyboard to display your utter stupidity!
Just because they Are homeless and poor does not mean anything you know you should not judge till you are walking in their shoes. Think about what I Just said. do not judge
Okay mr Azeri
Amazing country!
Armenia is amazing! The people, the food, the ambience, the nature, opera park… Everything is great! I love to visit Yerevan in the summer when all restaurants outside are open.
Lol “irakli” he is georgian, such nationality with such unrich culture will come here to have envy on Armenia and lower rating
I thought the same. Backwards Georgians.
Will visit next year again
The best Caucasian country.
Highly recommended to visit.
The country overall is pretty safe and I did not encounter any scam in Armenia.
People were very hospitable.
I did not have a language problem in the capital city but you may consider taking a local guide for visiting other cities like I did but it is up to you.
See you in the next year Armenia
Bad!
So dangerous , people wants to steal your money . Always looking weird , looking our pockets and bags
are u Indian
liar bruh
Were you the one stealing money?
Great people ,beautiful country,amazing food.
Fantastic allrounder
Great hospitality, wonderful natural beauty and a unique culture to learn about!
Should visit at least once
Amazing country to visit, extremely safe with a night life like no other. People extremely humble and kind
WRONG!!
ARMENIA IS VERY SAFE SO YOU ARE WRONG!!!!!
Best place for tourists
The best place I have ever visited. You can walk in the middle of the night and not be scared even a little. Rich culture , so rich that in 1 week I have only explored 20% of it. Love Armenia 🇦🇲 coming next year
P. S. The people were so nice and polite , they were ready to help❤️
Would love to visit Armenia with my kids!!
Best life experience
The best place 🇦🇲❤️ Recommend for everyone
Best Country Ever!
Best Country Ever!
Best Country Ever!
Recommend for everyone. Very safe place.
War???!!!!
Isn’t there a war going on right now in that country? How is that safe 11/8/20
Wonderful
I agree with all the five star reviews. Good tours. Safe. Super friendly. Yerevan has plenty of great places to eat and visit. Armenians love their children! For me it’s an amazing place.
Well, somebody answer him. Is it safe due to civil unrest?
Nobody responded to you. That’s interesting. We are planning to go there in April 2021. But should we? Armenia lost the war and now they are angry. Will there be “civil unrest”?
Armenia is definitely safe.
There were protests after the war and people broke into the parliament building (sound familiar). Things are quiet now in Yerevan. Although there will be an election later in June, so there may be more protests depending on the results. Overall, Yerevan is still one of the safest cities in the world.
It is safe now.
As of late June 2020, Armenia is quite safe and the unrest has died down, with the elections being over.
Love to come visit
IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!
i love it and i love them it is a nice colter and amazing fun
ecsellent
Excelent cpuntry with excellent modals. Recommended.
God's nation
I’ve been all over the world by far the most welcoming people! And I’m not talking about the food and the culture! Will go Again in August!
Ordinary local taxi not safe
Avoid using local taxis, we got hooked up by a bad taxi driver, since he cant speak english, he fooled us with the price, the price was 5760 amd from genocide memorial park till republic square. Normally, it is 1000amd only via yandex go taxi. So i hand over 5000 amd to him, since i dont have loose coins, i decided to just give him 20, 000 amd and he grabbed immediately the 20000 amd and threw in the cupholder near the gear, and doesn’t want to give me the 5000 amd which i gave first. He said i had only given 6,000amd to him. And forced us to leave the car quickly.
Lesson learned for tourist like me, never ever use local taxis, even in airport, they are so greedy of money. It is much safer to download yandex go taxi app. It is cheaper, very safe and convenient for tourists to roam around yerevan city.
Because of this bad taxi driver, my good impression to this country was ruined instantly. Definitely i will not come to visit here again.