In between two continents lies Armenia, a country that is filled to the brim with the intersecting cultures of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. The country has a proud ancient cultural heritage and a unique alphabet, which was invented in Armenia in 405 A.D.
If you are moving to Armenia, you will be pleased with its diverse climate and natural landscapes. Whether you're relocating to Armenia, employment, family or a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.
Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Armenia from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When traveling to Armenia, you should always make sure that you have the correct documents needed to gain entry into the country through customs. Always make sure to keep these documents in a safe place, preferably on your person, while traveling. In addition to the usual documents required when traveling abroad (passport, visa, etc.) there are also several more important documents that you'll need if you're going to be relocating to Armenia:
- Detailed inventory including values
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of Visa
- Letter of employment
- Original Bill of Lading (OBL)
- Packing list
- Pro-forma invoice
- Transportation cost information
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
If you're relocating to Armenia, chances are that you'll be arriving with more than just a few suitcases and your passport - you'll have a full shipment of your belongings that will be coming with you. Whether the shipment arrives at customs with you or you have it shipped via an international moving company, your goods will be subject to the Armenian government's shipping regulations.
Here are some of the customs regulations currently in place for people entering Armenia:
- Shipper must be present in Armenia at the time of importation, and have appropriate work visa
- Household goods must have been used and show signs of use
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Different countries have different laws when it comes to importing items through customs. Before you move, take a moment to familiarize yourself with what items are prohibited in the country.
The following items are prohibited from entry into Armenia through customs and may be seized upon arrival:
- Firearms, explosives and ammunition
- Pornographic material
- Drugs and narcotics
- Plants and plant products
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Fruit and vegetables without prior permission
- Meat and meat products
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Toxic materials
- Radioactive materials
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While the items on this list are not completely prohibited from entering the country through customs, there may be a tax or duty placed on them upon arrival, or other restrictions.
The following items are dutiable and/or restricted:
- Beer
- Ethyl alcohol
- Alcoholic beverages (wine and spirits)
- Precious stones, jewelry and currency may only be imported as accompanied baggage and must be declared with customs at time of arrival
- Tobacco industrial substitutes
- Raw oil and oil products
- Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons
- Diesel fuel
- Engine oils
- Wild plant and vegetation will require special permission from the Ministry of Environment before being granted permission to enter the country.
- Pieces of art leaving the country need to be accompanied by a document from the ministry of culture authorizing export. The passenger must hold a photo of each piece of art. Passengers must pay a tax at the airport of approximately $10 per piece of art.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're relocating to Armenia, you may want to have a car with you in your new country. If you already own a car and you are considering having it shipped to Armenia, you should pay close attention to the rules and regulations regarding motor vehicle shipments.
If you will be shipping your car to Armenia, the following guidelines and regulations will apply:
- Purchase invoice
- Original Bill of Lading
- Car title
- Certificate that auto meets technical specifications and is in good running order
- Auto must have been used abroad and show signs of use.
- Pro-forma invoice
- Interpol document confirming that the car is not stolen
- Letter of temporary import, granting permission for 1 year
- Vehicles are subject to customs duties of 32% of the cost, insurance and freight value
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
You're welcome to bring your pet (or pets) along with you when you relocate to Armenia, but first you should familiarize yourself with the regulations and documents needed:
- Any pets or wild animals being imported into the country will need permission from the Ministry of the Environment and will need to be accompanied by a veterinarian health certificate clearing the animals of Rabies and any other diseases.
- Vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet passport
- Photo of the pet
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning that is required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company to handle your shipment, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move and ease you into your transition, we've provided you with a few links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: