The decades-long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh flared again in 2020 when Azerbaijan recaptured large swaths of territory formerly held by Armenian forces. Despite this, the region was omitted from the International Crisis Group’s top ten conflicts for 2025, yet ceasefire violations continue along the Line of Contact and both sides maintain tense border deployments.

On March 13, 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia announced they had agreed on the text of a bilateral normalization deal. It addresses mutual legal claims and bans “third-party forces” from their shared border—effectively precluding Russian troops in border zones—but leaves unresolved modalities for restoring road and rail links, notably the corridor to Nakhchivan, and could force major changes to the EU’s civilian monitoring mission in Armenia.

Baku’s growing alignment with Turkey and its demonstrative distancing from Russia have fueled commentary suggesting Azerbaijan may press its territorial aims more forcefully once Armenia withdraws from the Russia-led CSTO security bloc. Analysts warn that Ankara’s influence could embolden Baku to seek concessions beyond diplomatic channels.

Domestic unrest in Armenia has intensified travel risks. Clashes erupted in the National Assembly, an opposition lawmaker’s immunity was stripped, and senior clerics face pretrial detention amid the government’s crackdown on critics. These events have prompted street protests in Yerevan and surrounding provinces, creating unpredictable security conditions and potential road closures or detentions for foreign visitors5.

Periodic reports of minor skirmishes along Armenia’s border provinces underscore the fragility of the ceasefire. Rural routes near Syunik and Tavush regions may be closed without warning, and unexploded ordnance remains a hazard in previously contested zones.

Travel Safety Precautions

• Avoid border areas and military checkpoints in Syunik, Tavush, and Karabakh-adjacent provinces.

• Steer clear of all demonstrations, political rallies, and religious gatherings in Yerevan and other urban centers.

• Monitor local news and official government advisories for sudden security alerts or curfews.

• Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival and share your itinerary.

• Secure travel insurance covering political unrest, medical evacuation, and trip interruption.

• Maintain alternative travel routes; plan for potential roadblocks or flight cancellations.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and reassess travel plans regularly as the security landscape in the South Caucasus remains highly fluid.