Implementation of Biometric Passports and New ID Cards in Armenia Postponed: Launch Set for Autumn 2026

The launch of the biometric passport and new ID card issuance system in Armenia has been delayed. The practical implementation of the new documents will only begin in the autumn of 2026.

Currently, organizational procedures and work on the final design of the documents are ongoing. The production phase will commence once the visual appearance is officially approved.

Existing Armenian passports will remain legally valid until their expiration date. Citizens will be able to switch to the new biometric documents voluntarily, without having to wait for their current passports to expire.

To minimize queues and accelerate the application process, an online booking system and a pre-loading feature for personal data will be introduced. This is expected to reduce service time at offices to just a few minutes. In parallel, a prototype for updated service centers is being developed to enhance the citizen service experience.

Consequently, the full transition to biometric passports and ID cards in Armenia will take place no earlier than the autumn of 2026.