State Department Lists Armenia Among Safe Countries For American Travelers


U.S. Department of State launched improvements to how we share information with U.S. travelers. Under the new system, every country will have a Travel Advisory, providing levels of advice ranging from one to four.

Armenia appeared in the Level 1 group when the travelers need to take “normal precautions”.

“This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time,” State Department notes.

Georgia is also included in the Level 1 group, while Azerbaijan is in the category of countries where “increased caution” is needed.

“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas,” the statement says.

Russia and Turkey are included in “Reconsider Travel” category which means “a serious threat”.

“Under the current State of Emergency, security forces have detained individuals suspected of affiliation with alleged terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated. U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in gatherings, protests, and demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey can result in arrest. The Government of Turkey has detained and deported U.S. citizens without allowing access to lawyers or family members, and has not routinely granted consular access to detained U.S. citizens who also possess Turkish citizenship,” the report says.