Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Demonstrations in Yerevan

The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan alerts U.S. citizens in Armenia that a protest is planned for 6 PM tonight in Freedom Square, near the Opera House.  Nearby streets, including Mashtots Avenue, Sayat-Nova Avenue, Tumanyan Street, Teryan Street and the adjacent section of Baghramyan Avenue, will likely be affected and very congested.  A protest march and sit-in was held last night in Freedom Square, continuing to Baghramyan Avenue, and was dispersed by police early this morning. Several people were arrested and hospitalized.

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.