ArmeniaArmenian Passport Abroad: Embassies Stop Issuing From 5 October, New Biometric Passport Costs 28,650 Drams
From 5 Oct 2026 Armenian embassies pause passport issuance. The new biometric passport costs 28,650 drams, lasts 10 years, needs an ID card.
Key points
5 points- From 5 October 2026, passport issuance (replacement) through Armenian embassies and consulates is temporarily suspended, including via video link.
- The reason is the new biometric system under the Law “On Identification Documents” adopted on 11 May 2026.
- Embassies say the resumption date will be published later — none has been given yet.
- New biometric passport: 28,650 drams, valid 10 years; ID card: 5,950 drams, valid 5 years; the passport is issued to citizens who have an ID card.
- You do not have to replace a valid old-style passport.
If you live abroad and planned to get or renew an Armenian passport at an embassy, you cannot do it right now. Armenian embassies announced that from 5 October 2026 passport issuance (replacement) services through embassies and consular offices are temporarily suspended, including via video link.
Why issuance has stopped
On 11 May 2026 Armenia adopted the Law “On Identification Documents”, which introduces a new biometric identification document system. Consulates are pausing passport services during the transition. The embassies say further information on when the service resumes will be published on the official platforms of the diplomatic service.
What is known about the new passport
At a press conference reported by Armenpress, Nelly Davtyan, acting head of the Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, gave these terms:
| Document | Fee | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric passport | 28,650 drams | 10 years |
| ID card | 5,950 drams | 5 years |
ArmeniaArmenian Passport · requirements
- The passport is issued to citizens who have an ID card.
- Documents are issued 14 working days after an application; details of an expedited service will follow.
- In the first phase, 14 offices run by a private operator will open.
- From age 16 the new identity document becomes mandatory under the law.
- Replacing an old-style passport is not required: you can use it until it expires. Printing of old-style passports stops from autumn 2026.
According to PAN.am, Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan said citizens will be able to register for a biometric passport from 1 November. How Armenians abroad will apply has not been officially announced yet.
What about the photo
Under the previous consular procedure, the Armenian Embassy in the USA asked for colour photos 35 x 45 mm taken within the last 6 months (four identical photos for a child under 16). The authorities have not yet described how the face image for the new biometric passport will be taken; we will update this page when rules are published.
You can make a 35 x 45 mm photo under the current rules on our Armenian passport photo page.
04Questions
4 answers01Can I get an Armenian passport at an embassy now?
No. From 5 October 2026, passport issuance and replacement through Armenian embassies and consulates is temporarily suspended, including via video link.
02When will consulates issue passports again?
No date has been given. Embassies say it will be published later on official platforms.
03How much is the new Armenian biometric passport?
28,650 drams, valid for 10 years. The ID card costs 5,950 drams and is valid for 5 years.
04Do I have to replace my old passport?
No. An old-style passport can be used until it expires.
05Official sources
- Embassy of Armenia in the USA — Law “On Identification Documents”, 29.09.2026
usa.mfa.am - Embassy of Armenia in the USA — Passport (consular documents and photos)
usa.mfa.am - Armenpress — Armenia to begin issuing new biometric identity documents in autumn 2026
armenpress.am - PAN.am — Armenians can apply for new biometric passports from Nov 1
pan.am
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
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When applying for an Armenian eVisa online, applicants must upload a digital photo that meets strict biometric specifications. The required digital format is 600x600 pixels with a light grey background, though traditional paper applications still use the 35x45 mm format with a white background. This guide details the exact dimensions, file sizes, and common mistakes to avoid.
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