Foreign citizens wishing to visit Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) must from now on obtain an entry permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Karabakh authorities said Monday, February 8.

The procedure applies both to foreigners who need a visa and to citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with Karabakh, the Foreign Ministry said.

Application information will also be shared with the Russian peacekeeping force for security reasons. After getting the approval, foreign citizens will be notified, while their certificates will b sent to the permanent representation of Artsakh in Yerevan. After that, they can visit Artsakh, the Ministry added.

An entry permit is issued within 3-4 working days, and Karabakh authorities said they are working to improve the mechanism. However, the department warned, the process can sometimes take longer.

Rumors were actively circulating social networks alleging that that from now on, foreigners will have to obtain permission from Azerbaijan to enter Karabakh.