Do travelers need a visa to enter Armenia?
Citizens of EuropeAccording to the current agreement between the Governments of the 27 European Union member states, 4 EFTA countries and the Government of the Republic of Armenia, a visa-free regime is provided for citizens of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
These citizens are allowed to stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a year in case no other term is defined by the international agreements of the Republic of Armenia. The passport must remain valid for the entire duration of their stay in Armenia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia indicates that the rules apply to citizens of the specified countries with all types of passports.If one plans to stay in the country for more than 180 days, he/she needs to apply for temporary residence status. According to the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, it is granted in case a foreign citizen:
- studies; or
- has a work permit
- is married to a citizen of the Republic of Armenia or to a foreigner lawfully residing in the Republic of Armenia; or
- is a close relative (parent, brother, sister, spouse, child, grandmother, grandfather, grandchild) of a citizen of the Republic of Armenia or of a foreigner holding permanent residence status in the Republic of Armenia; or
- is an Armenian national.
Temporary residence status is granted for one year with the possibility of extension.
In case a traveler stays in a hotel, sanatorium or else a tourist base, the specified institution is responsible for his/her registration based on the Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Legal status of foreign citizens. Those who arrange the accommodation rental on a private basis should contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs independently with confirmation of the right to reside, as well as to live at a specified address (rental agreement). Travelers recommend coming directly with the landlord, so it will be possible to shorten the registration process for up to several days.
If a visa expires, it must be renewed at the Passport and Visa Department (located in Davtashen, 4th District, 17/10 Building). Failure to renew a visa on time may result in a fine.
Visas can also be obtained before arrival through an online application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.
For further information about visa requirements and procedures, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia's website: https://www.mfa.am/en/.
Diplomatic Engagement Between Armenia, EU and the United States
Citizens of the USABased on the current agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Armenia, U.S. citizens can enter Armenia without a visa. The visa-free regime allows for a stay of up to 180 days within one year. Travelers must hold a valid passport and may be asked to present proof of onward travel or accommodation upon arrival.
This agreement facilitates tourism and strengthens the connection between Armenia and the United States, making travel smoother and more accessible for American visitors.
Citizens of UAE
As of 1 July 2025, Armenia offers visa-free entry to:
- UAE nationals (citizens), and
- UAE residents holding a valid residency permit issued by any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country.
Eligible individuals can stay in Armenia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, leisure, or business purposes, without needing a visa. Residency permits must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
This new visa policy significantly simplifies travel arrangements and encourages greater cultural and economic exchange between Armenia and the UAE region.
Citizens of India
Citizens of India traveling to Armenia must obtain a visa in advance and are not eligible for visa-free entry, nor can they receive a visa upon arrival at Armenian entry points. Indian passport holders can apply for a visa through two convenient methods:
- e-Visa: Apply online via Armenia's official e‑Visa system; typically processed within 3-4 working days.
- Embassy Visa: Submit documents in person (or through an authorized agent) at the Armenian Embassy in New Delhi; processing generally takes up to 10 working days.
Citizens of India holding diplomatic or official passports may be eligible for visa‑free entry or visa-on-arrival for up to 90 days, but this exemption does not apply to ordinary passport holders.
Citizens of China
Chinese passport holders do not require a visa for tourist visits to Armenia of up to 90 days per year, based on a mutual visa exemption agreement signed between China and Armenia effective January 19, 2020.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
Travelers from certain countries are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at "Zvartnots International Airport" in Yerevan or Armenian land border checkpoints.
Processing typically takes about 20-25 minutes, and the visa allows a stay of up to 120 days.The list of the eligible countries for tourism purpose only is the following:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Oman, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey.
How to travel to Armenia?
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is connected by direct flights to over 40 cities worldwide, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Milan, Warsaw, Athens, Beirut, Tehran, Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Sharm el Sheikh, Frankfurt, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, Larnaca, Brussels, Lyon, Venice, Actau, Vilnius, Yekaterinburg, Minsk, Samara, Ufa, Sochi, Mineralnye Vody, Tbilisi, Kishinev, Istanbul, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, Kazan, Chelyabinsk, Tyumen, etc. Thus, you can plan your flight schedule accordingly.Armenia is well-connected to Europe by direct flights from several major cities. Airlines like "Air France", "Lufthansa", and "Turkish Airlines" offer regular flights to Yerevan, Armenia's capital. Depending on the departure city, flights typically take between 3 to 5 hours. For travelers from cities with no direct flights, connecting flights are available through airports like Istanbul, Moscow, or Paris.
Gateway to Global Destinations: Airlines at Yerevan Airport
If you're traveling from a Schengen Area country, keep in mind that you can easily transit through other European hubs before reaching Armenia. For example, many flights from cities such as Berlin, Vienna, or Rome will have a layover in Istanbul or Moscow before arriving in Yerevan.For travelers coming from the United States, there are no direct flights to Armenia, but you can find convenient connecting flights. The most common layover cities include Istanbul, Moscow, or Paris, with airlines like "Turkish Airlines", "Aeroflot", and "Lufthansa", offering one-stop flights. Flights from the USA to Yerevan usually take between 14 to 18 hours, depending on the duration of the layover.
Flights are available from major international airports, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Chicago (ORD). Be sure to check the best routes and layover durations to find the most efficient travel option.
What documents are needed to enter Armenia?
Тhere are a few essential documents and requirements that travelers must have at hand:- Valid passport: passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Armenia;
- Proof of sufficient funds: while not always required, it's advisable to have proof that you can financially support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards);
- Return or onward ticket: you may be asked to provide proof of your return or onward travel plans to another country after your stay in Armenia;
- Travel insurance (recommended): although not a mandatory entry requirement, having travel insurance that covers health and emergencies during your stay in Armenia is highly recommended;
- Visa (if applicable): while citizens of most European countries and the USA are visa-exempt, some nationalities may still require a visa. If you do need a visa, you can apply for it online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia or obtain one upon arrival at the border.
Always check the latest travel and entry requirements before planning your trip, as regulations may change.
Visa Approved, Passport Ready – Let's Explore!
Entry rules to Armenia when traveling with children
When traveling to Armenia with children, the entry rules are generally the same as for adults, but there are a few additional considerations:1. Passport and Documentation
Passport for children: Each child, regardless of age, must have their own passport to enter Armenia. Children cannot be added to a parent's passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned departure date from Armenia.
2. Parental Consent (for minors traveling alone or with one parent)
- Traveling with one parent: if a child is traveling with only one parent, it is recommended (though not always required) to carry a signed consent letter from the non-traveling parent. This letter should indicate that the absent parent agrees to the child's travel to Armenia. Some airlines and border officials may request this document;
- Traveling with someone other than parents: in case a child is traveling with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian, the accompanying adult should have written consent from both parents or legal guardians.
3. Proof of relationship (if applicable)
Traveling with children (if not the biological parent): in some cases, you might be asked to provide documents proving the relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers. This is especially important if the child is traveling with someone other than their biological parents.
4. Health and SafetyTravel insurance: it's recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and emergencies for children during the trip.
It's always a good idea to double-check the latest entry requirements with the Armenian embassy or consulate before traveling, as rules may change.
Travel to Armenia with children
How to Issue a Travel Consent for a Trip to Armenia?
Consent can be issued by one or both parents – there are no strict requirements regarding this for Armenia. For example, when applying for a visa to Schengen countries, consent from both parents is mandatory.Required information:
The document must include the details of the parent(s) or guardian(s), the child, and the notary. You can list multiple children in a single consent document. If the child is traveling with an accompanying person, their details must also be included in the document, and the notary should be informed.
Optional details you may include in the consent:
- List of countries: Be careful – if the child is traveling to Armenia by land through Georgia, you must specify both the destination country and the transit country. Alternatively, you can choose not to list specific countries; in that case, the consent is considered valid for all countries.
- Validity period: The consent can be issued for the duration of school holidays, for one year, or until the child turns 18. If the duration is not specified (e.g., "I give consent for the child to travel abroad"), the document is considered valid until the child reaches adulthood.
Important: The child must carry the original consent document; travel will be denied if only a copy is presented. Notarization is mandatory – without it, the document is considered invalid. If the family resides abroad permanently, the consent can be issued at a consulate or diplomatic mission.
What else one needs to know about a trip to Armenia
There operate "GG" and "Yandex Taxi" in the country, and payments are made from linked Visa and Master cards.Foreign currencies can be exchanged for Armenian Drams right in "Zvartnots" International airport's area, where there are Armenian bank offices with a standard rate.
