According to a decision by Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC), foreign citizens will now be allowed to purchase internet packages remotely for use during their stay in Armenia.
Armen Hunanyan, head of the PSRC’s telecommunications department, explained that until now, this option was available only to Armenian citizens. Local users could activate virtual SIM cards and buy internet packages through mobile operator apps without visiting physical branches, Sputnik Armenia reports.
With the new regulation, operators may now extend this service to foreign nationals, provided proper identification measures are ensured. This means a tourist can download a local mobile operator’s app, submit their personal data, activate a virtual SIM, and buy an internet plan — all before setting foot in Armenia.
Hunanyan noted that the reform is aimed at helping Armenian operators stay competitive with global platforms like Airalo, which offer virtual SIM cards and worldwide internet access — unlike traditional apps like WhatsApp or Viber, which require an existing number and data plan.
The PSRC clarified that this is an optional feature, not a mandatory requirement for mobile operators. At present, only one of Armenia’s three mobile operators has enabled this feature even for domestic users. However, the commission does not rule out making it mandatory in the future if Armenia lags behind global trends.
