The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan alerts U.S. citizens in Armenia that the demonstrations which began at 6 PM last night in Freedom Square and then moved to Baghramyan Avenue are still ongoing. Media reports indicate that last night’s events were largely peaceful, but a protest on Baghramyan Avenue on Monday ended with police dispersing the crowd and the detention and hospitalization of several people. It is not clear when this demonstration will end. Organizers have announced plans to convene again in Freedom Square, near the Opera House, at 6 PM today and then proceed to Baghramyan Avenue to join the participants who are currently there.
Embassy staff have been advised to avoid Baghramyan Avenue, Freedom Square, and adjacent areas, and to monitor local media and the U.S. Embassy’s website for updates.
In addition, the Embassy has received reports that a “car rally” is planned for 6 PM in Brazil Square, near Hrazdan Stadium and Dalma Garden Mall. A route for this rally has not been announced. If this event takes place, traffic in the vicinity of Brazil Square and Victory Bridge is likely to be very congested.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Armenia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Armenia. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan is located at 1 American Avenue, tel. 10-46-47-00 and fax 10-46-47-42. The Consular Section is open from 9:00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., with time reserved for U. S. citizen services from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for official U.S. Embassy holidays. For more information, see the Embassy’s website. For after-hour emergencies please call (374-10) 49-44-44.
