EU experts arrive in Armenia to evaluate visa liberalization progress

A delegation of European Union experts has arrived in Armenia to assess the possibility of simplifying the visa regime between the entity and the country.

The visit marks the first expert mission in this area, with the team tasked with analyzing the current situation and identifying key requirements for potential visa liberalization, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

The experts have started their work by examining various factors, including migration processes, biometric documentation, and digitalization. The meetings, which are scheduled to continue until February 14, aim to gather detailed insights into Armenia's readiness for an eased visa regime with the EU.

The outcome of these discussions is expected to guide the next phase of the visa liberalization dialogue, determining the steps needed to move forward.

The operational phase of the EU-Armenia Visa Liberalisation Dialogue was launched in December 2024.

When the operational phase was launched, Armenia and the EU agreed that the next steps in the visa liberalisation progress would consist of two scoping visits early in 2025, to enable experts from the EU institutions and member states to conduct a gap analysis. The results of these missions will help to establish the list of conditions necessary to achieve the long-term objective of visa-free travel for Armenian citizens to the EU. 

The country has already assured the EU that the visa liberalisation agreement will not spark migration rise. The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan said last September that the country has taken all necessary steps to prevent irregular migration to the bloc once the visa-free travel agreement is reached.

The EU and Armenia launched the visa liberalisation dialogue on the political level in September of last year. Through this dialogue, both parties said that they aim to reach an agreement that will facilitate the entry of Armenians into the bloc.

Once the visa liberalisation agreement between the EU and Armenia is reached and becomes effective, Armenian passport holders will be able to enter the Schengen Area without the need to apply for a visa provided that their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

As for Armenians who want to remain within the bloc for a longer period that exceeds 90 days, they will need to obtain a long-term visa.

By Vafa Guliyeva