Starting November 1, Armenia will launch a system for issuing next-generation biometric passports and identity cards, aimed at improving service quality and security, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the security features of identity documents and establish technical and service infrastructure that meets international standards.
According to Nelli Davtyan, Head of the Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the new system will allow citizens to use service offices equipped with modern technologies, making the document issuance process more convenient and transparent.
Enhancing the security of identity documents is a key component of the visa liberalization dialogue between Armenia and the European Union.
On October 29, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the existing passport offices would close and that the locations where citizens obtain passports would change. Starting in November, 14 service offices will operate across the country, including two in Yerevan. The capital’s offices will be located in shopping malls.
The Minister of Internal Affairs also stated that holders of biometric passports in Armenia would be able to cross the border without any contact with border guards.
“In other words, we are already working to ensure that at Zvartnots Airport or border checkpoints, a biometric passport holder can simply place their passport in the reader and proceed,” the minister said.
Armenia will introduce new red biometric passports that will meet high international standards while reflecting Armenian identity. Their design will feature an outline map of the Republic of Armenia, the alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots, and the first sentence written in Armenian script: “To know wisdom and instruction; to understand the words of insight.” Existing blue passports will remain valid until their expiration dates.
