U.S. Embassy in Armenia

The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.

The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.

The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.

The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.

The following information is submitted in accordance with the referenced requirements. Various area mortuaries were surveyed in order to compile this data. The laws cited are from the national law of the Republic of Armenia. Embassy Yerevan submits the following 7 FAM 261 update of current procedures in the Republic of Armenia for the disposition of human remains. On March 29, 2006, the Government of Armenia formally adopted the Law on Funeral Ceremonies, Use of Cemeteries and Crematoriums which governs the disposition of human remains in Armenia. On January 16, 2007, the Government adopted Resolution 1910, which provides further regulatory guidelines. In practice, however, Armenian mortuaries follow procedures first established by the Soviet Union and sanctioned by the Armenian Apostolic Church.

While in Armenia, you are subject to Armenian law and you are expected to act accordingly. If, however, you feel you are being treated unfairly due to your American citizenship, you should report the occurrence to the Embassy. Consular staff may not act as legal advisers to American citizens, however, the section does maintain a list of Armenian attorneys who speak English and/or have expressed willingness to represent American citizens.

The Consular Section maintains a list of local hospitals and doctors to assist American citizens who require medical attention. The Consular Section takes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms listed.

American citizens may apply to Vital Statistics departments throughout the United States to request certified copies of birth, death and marriage records. Detailed information on procedures for requesting vital records are available through most state and local government Web sites. Federal, state and local government websites can be accessed through http://www.travel.state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy and the Department of State remind travelers that many U.S. health insurance policies will not cover foreign doctors or hospitals. Also, foreign doctors and hospitals may be unwilling to negotiate with your U.S.-based insurance company, and payment may be required before treatment.