ArmInfo. The EU is interested in improving mobility and the talks with Armenia will be conducted to that end, according to Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.
When asked by Armenian delegate Naira Karapetyan about the EU's approach to visa facilitation with Armenia, Johannes Hahn said during the winter session of PACE that the EU will be holding talks with Armenia because the EU seeks to improve mobility for everyone.
To note, on December 17, 2012 visa facilitation agreement was signed between Armenia and EU, which came into force on January 1, 2014. The agreement quickened the procedure of issuing visas in the consulates of EU countries, accredited to Armenia. The decision on issuing visa is made within 10 days and in emergency situations within two or less days. Besides, according to the agreement fewer documents are needed for receiving visa. After the signing of agreement the price of visa fell to 35 EUR versus 60 EUR, which the tourists had to pay prior to the ratification of the document. Another advantage of the facilitated visa regime is free of charge visa provided to children younger than 12, as well as to persons with disabilities and persons accompanying them. The procedure of issuing multiple entry visas has also been facilitated, which was too complex and time-consuming before. Armenian citizens with diplomatic passports do not need to receive visas. The agreement regulates the terms of Armenian citizen's stay in the territory of EU. Now this period totals 90 days in180-day period.
