On December 4, 2025, the Government of the Republic of Armenia adopted Resolution No. 1765-N, introducing a new regulatory framework for the qualification of tourist buses. The purpose of the reform is to enhance the safety of tourist transportation, improve service quality, and align the sector with international standards.
The main provisions of the Resolution will take effect on April 1, 2026. Tourist buses already in operation shall undergo qualification for the first time by April 1, 2027.
The qualification of tourist buses is carried out by the Tourism Committee, based on a positive conclusion issued by a Commission.
The Commission is composed of representatives from:
- the Tourism Committee;
- the Patrol Service of the RA Police;
- the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia;
- the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia;
- associations of Tourism Service Providers; and
- non-governmental organizations engaged in consumer protection.
To obtain qualifications carriers shall file an electronic application through the official platform tourism.gov.am. The application shall include applicant’s identification data, technical specifications of the bus, the main route of operation, and information on the most recent technical inspection.
The following documents are enclosed to the application:
- an electronic extract from the State Register of Legal Entities (issued no more than seven days prior to submission);
- a copy of the bus’s technical passport;
- proof of payment of state duty;
- documents confirming adaptation for the transportation for persons with disabilities (if any).
The Tourism Committee reviews the application within three business days and decides whether to accept or reject it. In the case of minor deficiencies, the applicant is granted five business days to rectify them.
The Commission conducts an assessment, including both external and internal inspection of the bus, performed while the vehicle is parked and in operation.
Upon a positive conclusion, the qualification certificate is issued electronically.
The validity period of the certificate depends on the year of issue of the bus:
- buses up to 10 years of production – 3 years
- buses 11–15 years of production – 2 years
- buses 15 and more years of production – 1 year.
If the certificate is issued for a period exceeding one year, the carrier shall pay the annual state duty for each subsequent year.
As of January 1, 2030, compliance with accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities becomes a mandatory prerequisite for qualification.
From January 1, 2033 tourist buses 30 and more years of production will no longer be used for tourist transportation.
From January 1, 2035 tourist buses 20 and more years of production will no longer be permitted for tourist passenger transportation.
The qualification certificate is suspended if the annual state duty is not paid.
The certificate is terminated if:
- the bus is deemed technically defective;
- a negative conclusion is issued following an additional assessment;
- the bus is operated without mandatory liability insurance.
The new regulatory framework requires advance planning, technical upgrades, and ongoing compliance. Failure to meet the established deadlines or requirements may result in suspension or termination of operations, financial losses, or administrative liability.
LY Law Firm provides legal support to tourist carriers, including:
- legal support of the qualification process;
- preparation and review of documents;
- representation in cases of refusal, suspension, or termination of qualification certificates;
- verification of compliance with tourism legislation.