Armenia to ease visa rules for COP17 delegates

The Armenian government plans to temporarily relax visa restrictions for participants of the upcoming COP17 climate conference. The move would suspend a 2008 regulation requiring citizens of certain countries to obtain entry visas only through Armenian embassies or consulates, and only with an official invitation.

The Ministry of Environment reports that the draft decision will allow delegates from specific states to apply for visas via Armenia’s electronic E-VISA system. The proposal was developed jointly by the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Environment, along with the National Security Service.

Officials say the measure is designed to simplify entry procedures for international participants and facilitate smoother attendance at the global summit.