The biometric passports and ID cards were implemented in Armenia on June 1, 2012. The system has proved successful and the advantage of biometric passports is obvious. Therefore, starting from January 2014 citizens will get only biometric passports and ID cards. The documents will be given for the term of 10 years.

According to Norayr Muradkhanyan, Head of the Visa and Passport Department of RA Police, the biometric passports and ID cards are better protected.

“Families receiving poverty benefits and 16-year-old citizens will be provided ID cards free of charge,” he said. The old passports will remain in use until their validity term expires, Muradkhanyan said.

Biometric passports are necessary for traveling abroad, while ID cards can be used on the territory of the Republic of Armenia.