Türkiye and Armenia have agreed to ease visa procedures for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports, marking another step in their ongoing normalisation process.

In a statement on Monday, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said that from 1 January, eligible passport holders from both countries will be able to obtain free electronic visas, simplifying official travel between Ankara and Yerevan.

The move follows discussions between the two countries’ special envoys as part of efforts to rebuild ties after decades of strained relations. Both sides said the agreement reflects their shared commitment to advancing the normalisation process without preconditions, with the goal of full diplomatic normalisation.

According to Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber, the visa facilitation arrangement was detailed in a joint announcement by Ankara and Yerevan, which said the decision would make e-visas free for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports from 1 January 2026. TRT Haber also quoted the joint statement confirming that both countries had reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the normalisation process unconditionally.

Armenia and Türkiye have taken several cautious steps towards reconciliation in recent years, including the appointment of special representatives in 2021 and agreements on limited confidence-building measures. However, the shared land border between the two countries has remained closed since 1993.

Officials described the visa facilitation as a practical confidence-building measure, though broader issues, including border reopening and the establishment of full diplomatic relations, remain unresolved.

Both governments reiterated that talks would continue with the objective of achieving comprehensive normalisation between the two countries.

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