Armenian diplomatic missions temporarily halt passport services amid biometric transition

Armenian embassies and consular offices around the world began publishing notices on Monday informing the public that passport issuance and replacement services will be temporarily halted starting October 5 due to the introduction of a new biometric system for identification documents in Armenia.

The diplomatic missions said that they will provide additional information on when the services will resume.

The notices state that on May 11, 2026, Armenia adopted the Law “On Identification Documents,” which provides for the introduction of a new biometric system for identification documents in the Republic of Armenia.

“Due to the introduction of the new system, in order to organize the transition process, starting October 5, 2026, the provision of passport issuance (replacement) services through Armenian embassies and consular offices, including via video link, will be temporarily suspended. Additional information on when the service will resume will be published on the official information platforms of the diplomatic service bodies,” the Armenian embassies said in their statements.