Under the VisaWise Armenia project, a series of information sessions were organised by ICMPD Armenia to increase understanding of visa application procedures, fight disinformation and more broadly, to support the EU-Armenia Visa Liberalisation Dialogue.

A new guide to navigate the Schengen visa process

During the first two weeks of July, hundreds of participants, including journalists, staff from tourism agencies, students, private sector representatives and civil society actors will be welcomed to a series of information sessions in Yerevan and other locations in Armenia to discover the newly-developed ‘Schengen Visa Guide for Armenia’ along with practical advice on the Schengen visa application process, applicants’ rights and responsibilities, and ways to improve the quality of applications. 

The new guide was developed under the umbrella of the VisaWise Armenia project through a participatory approach that involved consultations with diplomatic missions and visa application centres to identify what could be the most relevant information for potential applicants. It is one of many communication-oriented activities planned to increase understanding of visa application procedures, fight disinformation and more broadly, to support the EU-Armenia Visa Liberalisation Dialogue. In the following weeks, the guide should become available in English and Armenian on the websites of the EU Delegation to Armenia, consulates of EU Member States, and relevant Armenian ministries.

Tourism Agencies as Key Information Multipliers

Although Armenia's Schengen visa refusal rate is slightly lower than the overall global average of (10.9% compared to 14.6% according to 2025 data), the number of visa applications soared by 80% between 2022 and 2025, reaching over 110,000 applications, meaning a higher absolute number of refusals and increased burden on consular services of the EU Member States involved in the visa application process.

During the first week of July, tourism agencies were among the target groups for these information sessions as they support applicants with travel arrangements, accommodation bookings, flight reservations and general guidance on required documents. The objective is to help agencies guide applicants through the process, prevent common mistakes and reduce the risk of delays or refusals. 

The sessions were organised in close cooperation with Ms Alina Petrosyan, Head of the Tourism Innovation Development Federation, who noted that, “Such meetings with sector professionals are of exceptional importance, as they provide an opportunity to bring together experience, hear different professional perspectives, and identify more effective ways of cooperation. Each specialist, with the experience accumulated over the years, can contribute to developing solutions that will improve the quality and efficiency of work in the sector. The guide, in turn, can become a practical tool that serves as a reference handbook for the employees of each company. It will not only help them navigate their daily work more effectively, but also support the development of common working approaches, reduce the likelihood of inaccuracies, and ensure a higher quality of services.” 

Building a more transparent visa environment

During the sessions, participants discussed key issues related to Schengen visa applications, including:

• What the Schengen Area and a Schengen visa are;
• Where and how to apply in Armenia;
• How to identify the correct consulate based on the main destination;
• What documents are usually required;
• Common reasons for visa refusals;
• Why applications must be consistent, credible and supported by genuine documents;
• What mistakes to avoid, including visa shopping, unclear travel plans, fake or unreliable bookings, and weak proof of ties to Armenia;
• Applicants’ rights and responsibilities;
• Practical dos and don’ts for preparing a stronger visa application.

Andrey Apoyan, Head of ICMPD Armenia remarked that “Through these activities, we are supporting both Armenian citizens and EU Member State authorities to create a more transparent, efficient and predictable visa application environment. Availability of verified practical information in a user-friendly format is essential for helping visa applicants to prepare stronger visa applications that comply with the Schengen rules.” 

Through these sessions and future activities, the VisaWise Armenia project will continue to promote access to accurate, verified and easy-to-understand information, contributing to more informed and responsible travel to the European Union. VisaWise will issue other communication materials including informational videos. Follow the ICMPD Armenia Facebook Page for further updates.