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Armenia

Law of the Republic of Armenia on Freedom of Information

Law of the Republic of Armenia on Freedom of Information, No. ZR-11 (Օրենք Հայաստանի Հանրապետության "Տեղեկատվության ազատության մասին")

RTI Rating: 102 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
5 days
Extension
25 days
Residency Required
None

Standard deadline: 5 days after application filed. Extension: up to 30 days total when additional work required; written notice of delay must be provided within 5 days explaining reasons and final deadline. Oral inquiries: immediate response or within shortest possible timeframe. Days are not explicitly specified as business or calendar days in the law.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Must be signed and include applicant name, surname, citizenship, place of residence/work/study (for legal persons: name and physical address). No justification required for the request.', 'method': 'Written request'}
  • {'notes': 'Applicant must provide name and surname in advance. Response given immediately or within shortest possible timeframe.', 'method': 'Oral inquiry'}
  • {'notes': 'Accepted via email (e.g., info@mfa.am for Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Applicant may choose electronic or printed notification for response.', 'method': 'Electronic request'}

Requests must cite legal basis: Articles 42 and 51 of the Constitution and Article 6 of the Law on Freedom of Information. Foreign citizens have access rights as defined by Armenian law and international treaties. If information holder does not possess requested information or disclosure is beyond its powers, written notification must be provided within 5 days.

Required Elements

  • Applicant full name and surname (or legal entity name and location)
  • Citizenship
  • Residential address, workplace, or educational institution
  • Contact information (telephone, email)
  • Detailed description of information sought
  • Signature and date
  • Legal basis citation (Constitution Articles 42 and 51, FOI Law Article 6)

Fees

No fees for filing requests, oral inquiries, first 10 pages of printed/copied information, or information delivered via email/internet. Beyond 10 pages, cost-based fees apply as set by government regulation.

Exemptions

  • State, Official, Bank or Trade Secrets
    Information containing state, official, bank or trade secrets as defined by other legislation
  • Privacy Infringement
    Correspondence, telephone conversations, postal/telegraph communications that would infringe individual or family privacy
  • Pre-Investigation Data
    Pre-investigation data not subject to public disclosure
  • Professional Secrets
    Medical, notary, attorney secrets protected by professional status
  • Copyright Protection
    Information whose disclosure would infringe copyright and associated rights

Exemptions are mandatory ("refuses to provide information if" language). Limited public interest override applies only to specific scenarios: urgent cases threatening public security/health, natural disasters, overall economic situation, environmental/health/education conditions, or disclosure necessary for state development programs. A 2023 law on State Secrets defines three classification levels: "special importance," "top secret," and "secret" for military, foreign relations, economy, science, and intelligence information.

Appeal Process

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Article 11(4) allows appeals to either the Human Rights Defender or courts. The HRD is independent (elected by 3/5 parliamentary vote, 6-year term) but issues non-binding recommendations only. Administrative courts provide binding judicial review. No internal administrative appeal within agencies. No independent information commission exists.

Sources & References