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

On Sunday, March 1st, a large protest is expected to be held in downtown Yerevan.  The protest is expected to have a sizeable turnout.  Protestors have indicated that the event will take place outside the Opera House in Freedom Square, beginning at 1500.

Nearby streets, including Mashtots Avenue, Sayat-Nova Avenue, Tumanyan Street and adjacent section of Baghramyan Avenue, will likely be affected and congested.

According to media reports, protestors intend to march along the following route: Mashtots Avenue, Grigor Lusavoritch Street, Italy Street, Republic Square, Nalbandyan Street, Tumanyan Street to the Opera House. If this march takes place, traffic in these areas will also likely be very congested.

Police will have a substantial presence to monitor the event.

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 or consulate 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.