EU commissioner says Armenia is closer to visa-free travel following biometric passport launch

YEREVAN — European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has welcomed Armenia’s introduction of new biometric passports, describing the development as another step toward eventual visa-free travel between Armenia and the European Union.

In a statement published November 5, Kos said the new documents, introduced with European Union support, would facilitate border checks and make international travel easier for Armenian citizens.

The remarks followed Armenia’s launch of its next-generation biometric passport and national identification system on November 1. The government formally presented the programme during an October 31 ceremony attended by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan.

Armenian officials have identified the new identification system as an important component of the country’s ongoing visa liberalization dialogue with the European Union.

That process began in September 2024, when Armenia and the European Commission launched formal discussions aimed at establishing visa-free travel for short stays.

In November 2025, the European Commission presented Armenia with a Visa Liberalization Action Plan outlining the reforms and requirements necessary to advance the process.

These include measures related to document security, border management, migration and other institutional standards.

Despite the positive assessment from Brussels, Armenian citizens do not yet enjoy visa-free travel to the European Union.

Further reforms and assessments remain necessary, and no definitive implementation date has been announced.

The development nevertheless represents progress in Armenia’s broader effort to strengthen relations with European institutions and expand opportunities for its citizens.

The final outcome will depend on the successful implementation of the required reforms and approval by the relevant European Union institutions.