Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia, a rose-tuff city of about 1.1 million people set at roughly 900-1,300 m above sea level on the Hrazdan River, with snow-capped Mount Ararat visible across the Turkish border on clear days. Founded as the fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC, it combines Soviet-era neoclassical planning around Republic Square, the Cascade arts complex, the Matenadaran manuscript library, the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial, outdoor cafes, brandy cellars and a growing wine-bar scene. Visitors come for Armenian food and hospitality, very low prices by European standards, and easy day trips to Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap, Echmiadzin and Lake Sevan.
Yerevan is a safe, welcoming capital for visitors, with low violent crime and a relaxed atmosphere. Everyday risks are pickpockets in markets and crowds, taxi overcharging and fast drivers; the only no-go zone is the border region with Azerbaijan. Land borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed to travellers.
Current safety advisory
Low
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Yerevan has low violent crime against visitors; the most common problems are pickpocketing at crowded markets, taxi overcharging and aggressive driving.
Use Yandex Go or GG Taxi instead of street taxis or airport touts.
Dial 112 for any emergency; 102 reaches police, 103 an ambulance and 101 the fire service.
Do not travel to the border areas with Azerbaijan; the US State Department marks them do-not-travel and warns of landmines.
Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in the hotel safe.
Cross roads at marked crossings and watch for cars that do not yield.
Take out travel insurance that covers medical care; Armenian private clinics expect payment on the spot.
Avoid political demonstrations, especially around the National Assembly, Baghramyan Avenue and Republic Square.
Cover shoulders and knees in churches and avoid photographing military sites or border posts.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Airport taxi overcharge
Touts inside Zvartnots Arrivals and the official desk quote 4,000-6,000 AMD (~$11-16) for a 12 km ride that costs about 2,000-4,000 AMD (~$5.50-11) in an app.
How to avoid: Order Yandex Go or GG Taxi before leaving the terminal, or use express bus 100 for 300 AMD (~$0.82).
Unmetered street taxi
Unlicensed cars with no meter agree on a price after the ride has begun.
How to avoid: Use a taxi app or agree the full price before getting in.
Service charge on the bill
Many restaurants add about 10% service to the bill, and then ask for a further tip.
How to avoid: Check the bill for a service line and tip only the difference.
Souvenir pricing
Opening prices for carpets, brandy and crafts at Vernissage can be well above the local price.
How to avoid: Compare stalls, haggle politely and check the brandy seal and label.
Pickpocketing in crowds
Wallets and phones are targets at GUM Market, Vernissage and the metro at rush hour.
How to avoid: Carry a front pocket wallet or crossbody bag and keep phones out of back pockets.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are required for travellers from most countries; routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and tetanus are advised.
- Water
- Yerevan tap water is generally considered safe by residents; visitors with sensitive stomachs can drink bottled water at about 200-400 AMD (~$0.55-1.10) per 1.5 L.
- Food
- Food hygiene in restaurants is good. The main risks are stomach upset from rich food, street food in hot weather and unpasteurised dairy.
- Facilities
- Yerevan has good private hospitals and clinics, including the Erebouni Medical Center at 14 Titogradyan Street, +374 10 47 11 00, and the Izmirlian Medical Center at 6 Avetis Aharonyan Street. Pharmacies are plentiful, marked with a green cross, and many open late.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 102
- Medical
- 103 (ambulance)
- Fire
- 101
- General Emergency
- 112 (general emergency number)
- Main Hospital
- Erebouni Medical Center, 14 Titogradyan Street, Yerevan, +374 10 47 11 00
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Yerevan, 1 American Avenue, Yerevan 0082, +374 10 464 700 (after hours +374 10 494 444)
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Yerevan, 34 Baghramyan Avenue, +374 10 264 301 (check gov.uk for current contact details)