Georgian-Armenians get one-year vehicle stay permit in RA

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian MP Garnik Danielyan from the Armenia faction has announced that Georgian citizens of Armenian origin can enter Armenia with their Georgian-registered vehicles, fill out a customs entry declaration, and stay in Armenia for up to a year without additional formalities.

"Georgian citizens of Armenian descent can cross into Armenia with their own Georgian-registered cars, complete a customs entry declaration, and remain in Armenia for a year. Having Armenian citizenship does not affect their eligibility for this process," Danielyan stated.

The same opportunity is extended to Armenians residing in Georgia who do not hold Georgian citizenship. However, in this case, they must present a permanent or temporary residence permit in Georgia when submitting the customs entry declaration.

"Armenians living in Georgia who are not Georgian citizens but hold citizenship of another country (such as Armenia or Russia) can also enter Armenia with their Georgian-registered vehicles. However, they must provide proof of permanent or temporary residence in Georgia during the customs entry process," the MP added.

According to Danielyan, this regulation was introduced in September 2024, following proposals by editor and Javakhk-Armenian activist Vahe Sargsyan. Previously, Armenians with Georgian residence permits but no Georgian citizenship were only allowed to keep their vehicles in Armenia for 15 days. Now, their permitted stay has been extended to one year, equal to that of Georgian citizens.

"The recently approved rules by the State Revenue Committee (SRC) confirm that Armenians entering Armenia with a Georgian residence permit can now use their vehicles in Armenia for up to a year—matching the timeframe granted to Georgian citizens," Danielyan explained.

However, Armenians living in Georgia who also hold Armenian citizenship still cannot drive their Georgian-registered vehicles in Armenia using a Georgian driver's license.

"Armenians residing in Georgia who also hold Armenian citizenship and enter Armenia with a Georgian passport or residence permit still cannot drive their Georgian-plated cars with a Georgian driver's license. Unfortunately, under the current rules, they remain subject to fines," Danielyan noted.

He added that Armenia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is discussing the possibility of granting a one-month exemption for using Georgian driver’s licenses in Armenia. However, he believes this is insufficient and suggests either making the exemption permanent or aligning it with the one-year vehicle stay permit.

Additionally, Georgian-Armenians who do not own a car but drive a vehicle registered under another Georgian citizen’s name can also enter Armenia under the same regulations by providing a power of attorney.