Minister says EU visa dialogue gains momentum

PanARMENIAN.Net - On July 7, a regular meeting of the Public Council attached to Armenia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, chaired by Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan, reviewed progress in the Armenia–EU visa liberalisation dialogue and the implementation of the Action Plan.

Arpine Sargsyan, Armenia's chief negotiator on visa liberalisation, said the dialogue has entered an active phase, noting that the European Commission has positively assessed Armenia's progress, particularly in biometric systems, border management, migration, and asylum.

The minister stressed that visa liberalisation should be viewed not only as an opportunity for visa-free travel, but also as an important instrument for qualitative reforms in public administration.

She also announced that the biometric system is expected to become fully operational across Armenia in autumn 2026.

During the meeting, members of the Public Council presented their observations and proposals.

Beginning in autumn 2026, Armenia will introduce new red biometric passports. They will meet high international standards while also reflecting Armenian identity. The design will feature the outline map of the Republic of Armenia, the alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots, and the first sentence written in Armenian: “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding.”

The current blue passports will remain valid until the expiration of their validity period.