The European Commission has not confirmed that a visa-free regime between Armenia and the European Union will be introduced specifically in 2029, although Yerevan expects to complete the visa liberalization process by that date. This information is supported by recent statements from EU representatives and official documents from the European Commission.
On September 7, European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho stated at a briefing in Brussels that it is currently too early to set a specific date for the abolition of visas.
“It is still too early to predict whether 2029 or any other date will mark the moment of visa liberalization,” the European Commission spokesperson said.
Thus, 2029 is a target set by the Armenian government, not a deadline agreed upon with the EU. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously stated on several occasions that Yerevan hopes to achieve visa liberalization by 2029. In particular, on August 24, while presenting the government’s program for 2026–2031, he announced that Armenia intends to achieve the abolition of short-term visas for travel to the EU “during 2029.”
The dialogue between the EU and Armenia on visa liberalization was officially launched on September 9, 2024, and on November 5, 2025, the European Commission submitted the Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP) to the Armenian authorities.
The plan calls for Armenia to meet requirements in four key areas: document security and biometrics; border management, migration, and asylum; public order and security; and fundamental rights. The document does not specify a fixed timeline—the process will continue for as long as necessary to meet all criteria.
In July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also made it clear that the EU is not tying the decision to a specific year. She noted that Armenia is making good progress but described the process as “merit-based,” meaning it depends on the actual fulfillment of the established criteria.
Armenia is currently the only partner country with which the EU is engaged in an active new dialogue on visa liberalization, the European Commission noted. Subsequent assessment missions are to verify compliance with the remaining requirements.
Upon successful completion of all stages, the European Commission is expected to propose amendments to European visa legislation, after which the decision must undergo the necessary procedures within the EU. Therefore, Armenia’s fulfillment of the technical criteria does not in itself mean the automatic abolition of visas on a predetermined date.
ARMENIA, EUROPEAN UNION, MIGRATION, VISA-FREE TRAVEL, Єреван
