Armenia is set to introduce new biometric passports and identification cards starting from the autumn of 2026. The initiative is part of a broader digital reform strategy aimed at modernizing the country's documentation systems.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing Armenpress, the matter was discussed during a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan. Sargsyan emphasized that the implementation of the new system is designed to ensure that identification documents comply with high international standards, specifically the requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The transition to biometric documentation is a significant step for countries seeking to enhance border security and facilitate international travel. Biometric passports, which contain microchips with biological data such as fingerprints and facial recognition, are increasingly becoming the global standard. This move is often linked to efforts to secure visa-free travel regimes with various international partners by ensuring more secure and verifiable identity management.
