Russia Warns Travelers: Armenia Could Lead to U.S. Extradition

The Russian Foreign Ministry has added Armenia to a growing list of countries it warns citizens against visiting, citing the risk of detention and extradition to the United States. Grigory Lukyantsev, director of the ministry’s department for multilateral human rights cooperation, advised Russians to avoid travel to the former Soviet republic, according to state news agency RIA Novosti.

The warning comes as part of an updated roster of nations where Moscow believes U.S. authorities may seek the arrest and transfer of Russian nationals. The list includes European Union member states, much of Latin America, Australia, Canada, Israel, and South Korea. “All this must be taken into account when assessing the risks people may face if they travel abroad,” Lukyantsev said. He stressed that the ministry does not dictate travel plans but issues recommendations.

The advisory follows recent remarks by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who insisted Yerevan is not seeking a “divorce” from Russia, despite current tensions between the two countries. He described the strained relations as part of a normal political process.

For Russians considering a trip to the Caucasus, the message is clear: weigh the potential legal consequences carefully. With U.S. extradition treaties active in many of these destinations, even a vacation could turn into a legal battle far from home.