Russian or Belarusian in Armenia

Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.

• You can stay up to 180 days a year without registering; an internal passport works only on a direct flight from Russia. Law firms report that from 1 Nov 2026 longer stays need a paid certificate via permit.am; check.
• The authorities publicly promise not to extradite in political cases. People are detained on Russian warrants. So far everyone we know of who was detained on a Russian warrant has been released, but that is no guarantee.
• The main risk is Russian structures rather than the Armenian state: deserters were taken away via the base and consulate in Gyumri. Rights groups advise keeping away from them and refusing 'meetings about your case'.
• If detained, tell your family, The Ark (Kovcheg) and HCA Vanadzor at once. Quick publicity has helped before, but decide on it together with a lawyer.

current as of September 25. More: The Moscow Times: Armenia pledges no political extraditions (undesirable); Meduza: abductions in Armenia, Georgia and Uzbekistan (undesirable); Vardanyan & Partners: changes from November 2026