The process of producing biometric passports and identification cards in Armenia has reached its final stage, and the new documents will become available from autumn 2026. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a working discussion with Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan, during which progress on implementing the new system was presented.
According to the prime minister, the documents will meet high international standards while also reflecting Armenian identity, historical and cultural heritage, and state symbols.
Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan emphasized that the goal is to ensure compliance with international requirements, particularly the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. She noted that the new documents will increase reliability, facilitate border crossings, and support citizens’ freedom of movement, including in the process of visa liberalization with the European Union.
It was noted that modern infrastructure has been created within the framework of the program, which has been implemented through a public-private partnership. The new passports will feature advanced security solutions, including ultraviolet layers.
The design incorporates Armenian identity, historical and cultural heritage, and state symbols. Specifically, it includes the outline map of Armenia, the alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots, and the first Armenian sentence: “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding.”
The prime minister highlighted that certain letters are emphasized more prominently, each carrying symbolic meaning: “Ա” for freedom and independence, “Ե” for happiness, “Է” as a reference to God in Classical Armenian, “Ժ” for the people, “Ի” for sovereignty, “խ” for peace, “Կ” for life, “Հ” for Armenia, “Մ” for human, “Ջ” for water as a symbol of life, “O” representing law and legality, “Պ” for the state, “Ս” for love, and “Ք” for Christ, reflecting Armenia as the first Christian state.
The passport also features key elements of Armenian history and culture—from Hayk Nahapet and ancient petroglyphs to the founding of Erebuni, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, as well as buildings of modern state institutions. Armenia’s regions are also represented with their characteristic symbols.
It was also emphasized that automated border crossing systems without human contact are planned at checkpoints, which will significantly speed up citizens’ movement.
