Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Streamlined e-Visa System
Armenia's e-Visa process has been upgraded for faster approvals, allowing eligible travelers to apply online for a 21-120 day visa in just 3 business days. The fee starts at $6 for single-entry, making it one of the most accessible systems in the region. Always check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest updates before applying.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Armenia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Biometric passports are preferred for smoother processing at borders.
Ensure your passport isn't damaged, as this could lead to entry denial; renew early if needed to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 90 countries, including the US, EU nations, UK, Canada, Australia, Russia, and Iran, can enter visa-free for stays up to 180 days within a year.
This policy promotes tourism, but overstaying can result in fines up to $300 and potential bans; track your days carefully using a travel app.
Visa Applications
For countries requiring a visa, apply via the official e-Visa portal (evisa.mfa.am) with documents like a passport scan, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds ($50/day minimum).
Processing typically takes 3 days for standard ($6-$31 fees) or same-day for express ($45+); print your approval letter as it's checked at entry points.
Border Crossings
Airports like Yerevan's Zvartnots offer efficient e-gates for visa-free arrivals, while land borders with Georgia and Iran require stamps and possible declarations for valuables over $10,000.
Avoid unofficial crossings; official ones are open 24/7 but check for seasonal closures in remote areas like the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which remains restricted.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive insurance covering medical evacuation (up to $100,000), trip delays, and adventure activities like hiking in Dilijan is highly recommended due to mountainous terrain.
Policies from providers like World Nomads start at $2/day; ensure it covers COVID-related issues, as health protocols may evolve in 2026.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 180 days total by applying at the Migration Service in Yerevan with proof of onward travel and sufficient funds before your initial period ends.
Extensions cost around $25 and take 5-10 days; for e-Visas, apply for a new one online, but frequent extensions may require justification to avoid scrutiny.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Armenia uses the Armenian Dram (AMD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Yerevan by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak summer or festival seasons.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at traditional khorvirap eateries or markets for dolma and khorovats under 2,000 AMD, avoiding upscale tourist spots to save up to 50% on food costs.
Local bazaars like Vernissage offer fresh fruits, cheeses, and homemade lavash at bargain prices, perfect for picnics in Sevan Lake.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for marshrutka minibuses or Yerevan's metro day passes at 500 AMD, which cover unlimited local rides and cut costs on intercity travel to places like Gyumri.
Buy multi-day transport cards for regions like Lori Province, often including free entry to national parks and saving 20-30% overall.
Free Attractions
Explore ancient sites like Geghard Monastery, hike Dilijan National Park trails, and wander Yerevan's Cascade free of charge for authentic cultural immersion.
Many UNESCO sites and viewpoints have no entry fees; join free walking tours organized by local hostels to discover hidden gems without spending.
Card vs Cash
Cards like Visa/Mastercard are accepted in cities, but carry AMD cash for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where fees can add up.
Use ATMs from reputable banks like Ameriabank for better rates; avoid airport exchanges and notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
Attraction Bundles
Purchase the Armenia Card for discounted entry to multiple museums and sites at 5,000 AMD for a week, ideal for history buffs visiting Etchmiadzin Cathedral.
It covers 10+ locations and pays for itself after 3-4 visits, plus offers transport perks in Yerevan.
Smart Packing for Armenia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers including thermal base layers for high-altitude areas like Lake Sevan and lightweight cotton for Yerevan's summer heat up to 35°C.
Include modest clothing like long pants and scarves for visiting Orthodox monasteries, where shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect for local customs.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C/F plugs (220V), a solar-powered power bank for remote hikes, and offline Google Maps for spotty rural signal.
Download Armenian language apps like Duolingo basics and a VPN for secure Wi-Fi in cafes; a GoPro is great for capturing canyon adventures in Syunik.
Health & Safety
Carry full travel insurance docs, a comprehensive first-aid kit with altitude sickness meds, personal prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense sun exposure.
Include water purification tablets or a filter bottle, as tap water varies by region; add insect repellent for summer evenings in forested Dilijan and hand sanitizer for markets.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for monastery treks, a collapsible reusable water bottle, quick-dry microfiber towel, and small AMD notes for tips and vendors.
Bring passport photocopies, a RFID-blocking wallet for safety in crowded bazaars, and a lightweight scarf for dust or cold winds in the Ararat Valley.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for trails in Tavush Province and breathable sneakers for Yerevan's cobblestone streets and urban exploration.
Waterproof options are essential for spring rains or stream crossings near Garni Gorge; pack extra socks to handle dusty roads and long walking days.
Personal Care
Include eco-friendly toiletries in travel sizes, moisturizer for dry highland air, and a compact rain poncho for sudden mountain showers.
Don't forget wet wipes for off-grid spots, lip balm with SPF, and any allergy meds for pollen-heavy springs; compact everything to leave room for souvenirs like cognac.
When to Visit Armenia
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures 10-20°C brings blooming apricot orchards and wildflowers, ideal for hiking in the Caucasus foothills without summer crowds.
Perfect for cultural festivals like Yerevan's April events and exploring ancient sites; rain is possible, so pack layers for variable days.
Summer (June-August)
Warm and sunny with highs of 25-35°C, great for beach time at Lake Sevan, wine tours in Vayots Dzor, and outdoor concerts in Yerevan.
Peak season means busier trails and higher prices, but long days are perfect for road trips to Tatev Monastery; evenings cool off nicely.
Autumn (September-November)
Comfortable 15-25°C weather with golden foliage in Dilijan Forest, excellent for harvest festivals, cognac tastings, and uncrowded monastery visits.
Fewer tourists lower costs; ideal for photography in the Aras Valley, though early snow in mountains adds scenic beauty and requires warm gear.
Winter (December-February)
Cold with 0-10°C in lowlands and snow in highlands, budget-friendly for skiing at Tsaghkadzor and New Year's markets in Gyumri.
Cozy indoor activities like thermal baths in Jermuk shine; short days but magical for Christmas traditions and avoiding summer heat.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD). ATMs are widespread in cities; exchange USD/EUR at banks for best rates. Cards accepted in urban areas but cash preferred rurally.
- Language: Armenian (Eastern dialect) is official; Russian common, English limited outside Yerevan. Learn basics like "barev" (hello) for politeness.
- Time Zone: Armenia Time (AMT), UTC+4 year-round (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire (EU-harmonized); also 101 (police), 103 (ambulance), 911 (rescue)
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; add 5-10% at restaurants or round up taxi fares for good service
- Water: Tap water safe in Yerevan but boil or use bottled elsewhere to avoid stomach issues; buy from reliable sources
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities (look for "pharmacia" signs); 24-hour options in Yerevan carry Western meds