Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Obtaining visa to the European countriesIt has become more difficult for Armenians over the past perriod, armenianreport.com said on July 14.

Applicants for visa issuance relate the fact that getting visa has become more difficult than in the past directly to the process of facilitating the visa regime between Armenia and the EU. They regard it as a 'precautionary measure'.

However, the European embassies do not confirm this public opinion.

The visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Armenia was signed on 17 December 2012. It makes it easier and cheaper for citizens of Armenia, in particular those who travel frequently, to acquire short-stay visas allowing them to travel throughout the EU. A short-stay visa is a visa for an intended stay of no more than 90 days per period of 180 days.

The UK and Ireland do not participate in the Visa facilitation Agreement, while Denmark and the Schengen associated Countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) are invited to conclude bilateral Visa facilitation Agreements in similar terms as the EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation Agreement.

The liberalization of visa regime between Armenia and the EU provides for short-term visa-free entry into the EU states for Armenian citizens, but without the possibility of free travel on the entire EU territory.

Recall that the agreement on visa facilitation is extended to relatives, members of official delegations, students, participants in sporting events, the experts participating in various conferences and cultural events, the representatives of scientific world, individuals going to Europe for treatment, in some extreme cases (for example, the death of relative), drivers (truckers), entrepreneurs, journalists and their accompanying technical staff, representatives of public organizations, and given the nature of the Armenian state and the presence of the Diaspora, participants of Pan-Armenian and community programs.

However, the decision still rests on the consular service of the Embassy of a particular country. This agreement is with the EU, but each country has its own evaluation mechanisms.