Switalski: to come to liberalization of visa regime, Armenia should  make serious legislative changes 

ArmInfo."I understand that visa regime liberalization issue between Armenia and EU has important role to all Armenians", EU delegation head in Armenia Piotr Switalski  stated during the press conference in Yerevan. 

"I came across in a newspaper not so long ago with an article where  it says that Armenians are indifferent to the question of the  liberalization of the visa regime. I smile to such statements, as  this statement, and media reports show that the prospects for  liberalization of the visa regime cause tension in some people, the  ambassador said. At the same time, he took advantage of the  opportunity and congratulated Ukrainians and Georgians for their  courage, who made the right decision in 2013 and are now reaping the  fruits, that is, they can freely travel to Europe.

He stressed that of course, there are some logistical problems,  despite the many kilometers of queues, people have the right to free  movement, travel to Europe. "I believe that the experience of Georgia  and Ukraine will be positive and will be useful for  Armenia,"Switalski said, while he called for patience. The Ambassador  noted that this issue was also discussed during the working meetings  of the two sides in Brussels, and the general impressions of the  negotiators are positive. "But we must understand that this will not  happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, or in the coming months,  that patience is needed. But at the same time, I want to emphasize  that the issue continues to be on the agenda. But this is the issue  that Armenians must discuss, prepare for this dialogue. The  experience of Georgia and Ukraine shows that in order to approach  liberalization of the visa regime, the country should take serious  legislative changes. This is the question that the Armenians should  discuss, to ask whether it is time to prepare the legislative base  for the transition to a dialogue on the liberalization of the visa  regime. If you want to start a dialogue, then you must start  legislative changes. Do your homework, prepare laws, accept them, as  it still has to be done, "said Switalski  and added that he supports  the liberalization of the visa regime.

He said that he is one of the supporters of Europe without visa  regime, and Armenia is the part of Europe.  "I believe, despite  existing difficulties, it is real. Thus, Armenians, get prepared, do  not lose hope and be tolerant", Switalski said. 

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.