A G R E E M E N T

BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION FOR HOLDERS OF ORDINARY PASSPORTS

The Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “Contracting Parties”),

With a view to further promoting friendly relations between their States and facilitating exchange of visits by their citizens;

Having conducted friendly consultations on mutual visa exemption for holders of valid ordinary passports of the two States on the basis of equality and reciprocity;

HAVE agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I

1. Citizens of the Republic of Armenia holding valid ordinary passports of the Republic of Armenia, and citizens of the People’s Republic of China holding valid ordinary passports of the People’s Republic of China, shall be exempted from visa requirements for entry into, exit from or transit through the territory of the State of the other Contracting Party, for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days within any 180 days period from the date of their entry.

2. Citizens of the State of either Contracting Party referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article who intend to enter and stay in the territory of the State of the other Contracting Party for a period of more than ninety (90) days within any 180 days period or to engage in employment, study, reside, media activities or other activities， shall apply in advance for visa in accordance with the national legislation applicable in the States of the Contracting Parties.

ARTICLE II

Citizens of the State of either Contracting Party referred to in Article I of this Agreement shall enter into, exit from or transit through the territory of the State of the other Contracting Party through checkpoints authorized as points of entry, departure or transit for international passenger traffic and shall abide by the laws and regulations of the State of either Contracting Party applicable to entry, exit or transit of foreigners.

ARTICLE III

1. Citizens of the State of either Contracting Party shall abide by the laws and regulations in force of the State of the other Contracting Party during their stay in its territory.

2. If the citizens of the State of either Contracting party who do not fulfill the conditions for entry, stay in the territory of the State of the other Contracting Party, the States of the Contracting Parties take rapid and effective measures for the identification of such citizens and their safe and orderly return to the territory of the State of the citizenship of either Contracting Party.

ARTICLE IV

This Agreement does not restrict the right of the relevant authorities of the State of either Contracting Party to deny the entry, shorten or terminate the stay in its territory of any citizen of the State of the other Contracting Party without citing the reasons for their decision, if such person is deemed to be “persona non grata” or unacceptable.

ARTICLE V

 l. The Contracting Parties shall exchange, through diplomatic channels, specimens of their valid passports referred to in Article I of this Agreement within thirty (30) days from the date of the receipt of the last written notification on the completion of the internal legal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement, in accordance with Article IX of this Agreement. 2. If either Contracting Party issues new passport or modifies existing passports, the relevant Contracting Party shall immediately notify the other Contracting Party of such changes and provide specimens of the new or modified passport through diplomatic channels, not later than 30 (thirty) days prior to the date the new or modified passports enter into force. The notification shall include a specimen of the new or modified passports and information on their entering into force.

ARTICLE VI

1. Either Contracting Party may temporarily suspend the implementation of this Agreement partially or wholly on grounds of national security, public order, public health or for other reasons. However, either Contracting Party shall notify the other

Contracting Party, in writing in advance through diplomatic channels of its intention to suspend the Agreement and subsequently to cancel the suspension.

2. Such suspension or termination of the suspension shall become effective from the date of the receipt of the notification by the other Contracting Party through diplomatic channels.

 ARTICLE VII

 Any dispute between the Contracting Parties arising out of the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled by consultations or negotiations through diplomatic channels.

ARTICLE VIII

Amendments may be made to this Agreement by mutual consent of the Contracting Parties, which shall be made in the form of separate protocols, comprising an integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force according to the provisions of Article IX of this Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth (30) day following the date of the latter's written notification by the Contracting Parties, through diplomatic channels, indicating that the domestic requirements for its entry into force have been complied with.

2. This Agreement is concluded for an indefinite period. If either Contracting Party wishes to terminate this Agreement, it shall notify the other Contracting Party in writing through diplomatic channels, and this Agreement shall cease to be effective on

 the ninetieth (90) day following the date of receipt of the notification.

Hereby confirm that the Agreement is to be signed by the representatives designated by both Governments. Done in Yerevan on May 26, 2019, in two original copies, each in the Armenian, Chinese and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence in the interpretation of this Agreement, the English text shall prevail.