YEREVAN — European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has welcomed Armenia’s introduction of new biometric passports, describing the initiative as another important step toward visa-free travel to the European Union.
“Armenian citizens are one step closer to the possibility of traveling to the European Union without a visa,” Kos wrote on social media.
According to the commissioner, the new biometric passports will accelerate border checks and make international travel easier for Armenian citizens.
“Armenia is choosing the path of closer relations with Europe, and we are working to ensure that this choice delivers tangible benefits for Armenian citizens,” Kos stated.
Armenia began accepting advance registrations for new biometric passports and identification cards on October 31 as part of a broader effort to modernize its identity documentation system.
The modernization initiative, launched in 2023, aims to upgrade the country’s identity document issuance infrastructure, strengthen document security and personal data protection, and improve the quality of public services.
In April 2025, the Armenian government signed an agreement with HayPass, a company established by the consortium that won the international tender to implement the new system.
The introduction of secure biometric documents is also a key requirement of the visa liberalization process between Armenia and the European Union.
The process officially began on September 9, 2024, and Armenia received its Visa Liberalization Action Plan in November 2025. The plan outlines a series of reforms, including the introduction of secure biometric identity documents that meet international standards.
Successful implementation of all the required reforms is expected to pave the way for the EU to consider granting Armenian citizens visa-free travel for short-term visits.
Although the introduction of biometric passports represents significant progress, visa-free travel will depend on Armenia’s fulfillment of the remaining requirements and the European Union’s final approval.
