An asylum request is any oral, written, sign language or otherwise communicated statement made in person, expressing an individual’s desire to seek protection in the Republic of Armenia. An asylum request may be submitted either at border crossing points of the Republic of Armenia—to the Border Guard Troops under the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia—or within the territory of Armenia, to the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or, if the person is in a place of detention, to the administration of the detention facility, within the time limits defined by law. A refugee is considered to be a foreign national who has left their country of origin or permanent residence due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and, because of that fear, is unable or unwilling to return to that country. A refugee is also considered to be a foreign national who has been forced to leave their country of nationality or permanent residence due to external aggression, internal conflicts, massive violations of human rights, widespread violence, or other serious events disrupting public order.

Requirements

To acquire refugee status or asylum, it is necessary to submit an application in the prescribed form. After registration at the Migration and Citizenship Service (based on individual circumstances), an interview will be conducted with the applicant in order to verify their identity and gather information about the reasons for leaving their country.

 Required documents

• application;
• photo;
• identity document (if available) 

Service fee and Payment procedure

Free of charge

Processing time and procedure

The asylum application is reviewed within 3 months after its submission. By decision of the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS), the review period may be extended by an additional 3 months. Following the review, the applicant is informed of the decision either granting refugee status and asylum or rejecting the asylum application.

The decision can be obtained either directly from the MCS or via email.

To apply for asylum in Armenia, one may apply to the Border Guard Troops under the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia at the following official border crossing points and airports:

• Bavra (Armenia–Georgia land border checkpoint);
• Bagratashen (Armenia–Georgia land border checkpoint);
• Meghri (Armenia–Iran land border checkpoint);
• Ayrum (Armenia–Georgia railway checkpoint);
• Gogavan (Armenia–Georgia land border checkpoint);
• Zvartnots Airport;
• Shirak Airport

If necessary, the MCS may invoke the grounds for exclusion from refugee status or denial of asylum, such as:

• crimes against peace or humanity;
• war crimes or other serious crimes;
• acts contrary to the principles of the United Nations;
• arrival from a third safe country without a well-founded fear of persecution.

If the person does not appeal the MCS’s decision rejecting the asylum application within two months and the decision enters into legal force, they acquire the status of an irregular migrant and are required to leave the country.

If the MCS decision is appealed, the individual is considered an asylum seeker until a final decision is made by the courts and is entitled to reside legally in Armenia, access available services, and live in a Special Accommodation Center.

The person has the right to receive free legal aid for appealing the MCS decision in court.

To receive free legal aid, an application shall be submitted to the Public Defender’s Office of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia.