Armenia Opens Pre-Registration for New Biometric Passports and ID Cards

Armenia will open pre-registration for new biometric passports and identity cards on 31 October, with the new document system expected to become operational in early November. The rollout is a central part of reforms aimed at securing visa-free travel for Armenian citizens with the European Union.

Key facts

• 31 October 2026: pre-registration opens for new biometric passports and identity cards
• Early November 2026: the new system is expected to become operational
• Pre-registration is available through online platforms run by Armenia's Migration and Citizenship Service and HayPass
• The project is delivered as a public-private partnership
• 2029: Armenia's target date for completing the reforms required under the EU action plan

What is changing?

Armenia is preparing to launch a new biometric passport and identity card system, replacing the current document framework. Nelly Davtyan, head of Armenia's Migration and Citizenship Service, said the new system addresses some of the requirements of the EU-Armenia Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP), covering one to three actions in the visa liberalisation process.

Preparations for the system began in 2023, before the European Commission formally presented the Visa Liberalization Action Plan to Armenia in November 2025. Armenia passed a package of laws on identity documents earlier this year to pave the way for the rollout.

How do I apply?

Citizens can begin pre-registering for the new biometric passports and identity cards from 31 October through online platforms operated by the Migration and Citizenship Service and HayPass, the private-sector partner involved in the project.

HayPass, a local company established by a consortium involving French identity technology provider Idemia and A.C.I. Technology, is responsible for implementing the system, including its infrastructure and service offices. IN Groupe later acquired Idemia Smart Identity, which helped establish HayPass.

Why is this happening?

The biometric document rollout forms part of a broader reform programme linked to Armenia's ambition to achieve visa liberalisation with the EU. The Visa Liberalization Action Plan, presented by the European Commission in 2025, sets technical and policy requirements covering travel document security, border and migration management, public order, external relations and fundamental rights.

Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan, who leads negotiations with the EU on visa liberalisation, has described implementation of the plan as a government priority. European officials have highlighted the project as an area where Armenia has made rapid progress on the visa liberalisation roadmap.

What this means for travellers

Armenian citizens planning to obtain a new passport or identity card can pre-register from 31 October through the Migration and Citizenship Service and HayPass online platforms. The new biometric documents are intended to strengthen the security and integrity of travel and identity documents.

The reforms are aimed at eventual visa-free travel with the EU, but Armenia has set 2029 as the target date for completing the required reforms. No date for visa-free travel itself has been announced.