Thinking about visiting Armenia? This country in the Caucasus is full of history, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. Before you go, you need to know the rules for entering Armenia. Will you need a visa? It depends on your nationality and passport. Many visitors, such as those from the United States, can enter Armenia without a visa and stay for up to 180 days per year. Others will need to get a visa before arrival. This easy-to-follow guide gives you the important details on visa rules, application steps, health advice, and customs so you can get ready for your trip smoothly.
Armenia travel requirements: main points
Armenia is a landlocked country between Europe and Asia. For many nationalities, the process to enter Armenia is not complicated. Knowing the visa policy, passport rules, and health guidelines will help you start your trip without problems. Here are the main things to know before you get ready to travel.
Visa requirements for Armenia
If you need a visa for Armenia depends mostly on your citizenship and passport type. Citizens of many countries-especially those from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Eurasian Economic Union, and the European Union- do not need a visa to enter Armenia. Countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US allow their citizens to visit Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days in a calendar year. This makes Armenia quite easy to visit for a lot of people.
If you aren’t from a visa-exempt country, or if you want to stay longer than the policy allows, you’ll need to apply for a visa. Some travelers can get a visa when they arrive or apply for an e-Visa online, but a few will have to get their visa before traveling, sometimes with an invitation letter. Always check the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa search tool to get the details for your situation.
Passport rules
Make sure your passport is valid for the whole time you are traveling in Armenia. Unlike other countries that ask for your passport to be valid for several months after your trip, Armenia just requires that your passport remains valid while you are there. There’s no minimum number of empty pages required for entry.
If you are traveling through Europe before entering Armenia, keep in mind that countries in the Schengen area usually expect your passport to be valid for at least three months after you leave. Check the passport rules for everywhere you are traveling through to avoid problems. It’s also smart to carry a copy of your passport with you and leave another copy with a family member or friend at home in case of emergency or if your passport is lost or stolen. You won’t be allowed into Armenia if your passport has been reported missing.
Health and COVID-19 entry rules
Since September 2, 2025, Armenia has dropped most COVID-19 travel restrictions. You do not need a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test to enter the country now.
Even though COVID-19 restrictions are gone, most travelers should make sure they are up to date on routine vaccines (like tetanus, measles, and the flu) as recommended by health agencies such as the CDC. There are no official vaccine requirements for visitors. For specific health concerns or risks in Armenia, talk to your doctor before traveling. Diarrheal illnesses can be common in Armenia, so take care with food and water safety.
Armenia’s visa policy
Armenia tries to keep travel simple for many people, but there are different rules for different nationalities. Here is a breakdown of the main visa types and processes:
Visa-free access
Many countries can visit Armenia without a visa. Here are some examples:
- All EU and EFTA Member States
- CIS and Eurasian Economic Union countries
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil, Singapore
Visa-exempt travelers can stay up to 180 days in one year. Some extra countries, like Albania, Andorra, Hong Kong, Monaco, Panama, Qatar, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay, are also exempt.
| Visa Type | Stay allowed | Countries eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free | Up to 180 days/year | EU, EFTA, CIS, EAEU, US, UK, Australia, etc. |
Certain conditions may apply for some countries-Hong Kong ID cardholders can enter if coming directly from Georgia, and Russian citizens can use internal passports if flying.
Who must apply for a visa?
Citizens of some countries need a visa before traveling to Armenia. Most African Union countries (except Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia), Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Yemen are among those needing a visa before arrival, often with an invitation letter. Always check the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for an up-to-date list and details.
If you try to enter Armenia without the right visa or paperwork, you’ll be denied entry and sent back home.
Visa on arrival
Some travelers can get a visa at Armenia’s borders. Eligible countries include:
- Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Canada, Chile, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico
- North Korea, North Macedonia, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey
The visa on arrival usually allows a stay of up to 120 days and costs about 15,000 AMD.
Citizens from certain other countries (mostly in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia) can also get a visa on arrival, but only if they have a valid visa or residence permit from places like the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, or Japan.
Applying for an e-Visa
If you can’t enter Armenia visa-free or get a visa on arrival, you might be able to apply for an e-Visa online. The e-Visa system makes it easier to get a travel permit without visiting an embassy.
- Apply online at the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Apply at least three business days before your trip.
- Costs are about €7 for a 21-day visa or €34 for a 120-day visa.
Not all countries are eligible for the e-Visa. Some must still apply in advance with an invitation.
Applying for a visa in advance
Some travelers need a visa before they arrive. This is mostly for citizens of particular African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. In these cases, you usually need an invitation letter from a registered Armenian organization, government office, or through the Ministry of Internal Affairs. With your invitation, passport, visa application, and fee, visit the nearest Armenian embassy or consulate to apply.
Visa application steps and required documents
The Armenia visa application process is easy if you know what to prepare. Whether you use the e-Visa portal or go to an embassy, here’s what you’ll typically need:
Required documents
- A valid passport (valid for your whole stay)
- Completed visa application form (find this online or at the embassy)
- Recent passport-style photo
- Other documents depending on your visa, such as proof of accommodation, return flight ticket, travel itinerary, proof of enough money
Supporting documents/invitation letters
If an invitation letter is needed, it must be from a legal Armenian entity or through the Migration and Citizenship Service. The letter should clearly explain your reason for travel and your planned stay. Other supporting items can include:
- Travel insurance
- Hotel reservations
- Employer or school letters (if applicable)
Where to apply
- If you’re eligible for the e-Visa, apply online.
- If you need a visa in advance or an invitation, apply at the nearest Armenian embassy or consulate.
- For visa extensions after arrival, contact the Migration and Citizenship Service.
Special rules and exemptions
Temporary visa exemptions
Sometimes Armenia changes its visa policy for a limited time. For example, from July 1 to December 31, 2025, nationals of 116 countries with a valid residence permit from the USA, EU, Schengen states, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Oman do not need a visa. The residence permit has to be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Armenia. This lets eligible people stay for up to 180 days in one year without a visa, as long as you show your residence permit at the border.
Extending your visa
If you want to stay in Armenia longer than the original visa period or visa-free stay, you can apply for an extension. Most Armenian visas can be extended by 60 days, up to a total of 180 days. You need to apply for the extension before your visa expires, and explain why you want a longer stay. The Migration and Citizenship Service handles these requests.
Entry refusals and restrictions
You must show valid travel documents when you enter Armenia. Without a passport or valid visa (if required), you will not be allowed in. Armenian citizens (including dual nationals) must always enter and leave with their Armenian passport. People with previous travel to Russia, especially US government or military employees, may face more checks at the border. Note, Armenia’s land borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed-those routes are not available for entry or exit.
Health and vaccination guidelines for Armenia
Official health certificate and vaccine policies
Since September 2, 2025, Armenia no longer asks visitors for COVID-19 test results or proof of vaccination. There are no required vaccines for any disease to enter Armenia. If you are traveling from a place with a serious disease outbreak, check with your doctor about any recommended vaccines or safety steps. Armenia does not have special rules for travelers with HIV/AIDS.
Recommended vaccinations
- Routine shots: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, flu
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid (for food and water safety)
- Consider Hepatitis B, Rabies (for long stays or special situations)
Brucellosis cases (from unpasteurized dairy) have been reported in Armenia. Always follow food and water safety advice. Ask your doctor for the best vaccine plan for your needs several weeks before your trip.
Armenian customs regulations
What you can and can’t bring
- Personal goods for private use are usually fine.
- You cannot bring in or take out illegal drugs (including marijuana, even if legal at home), weapons, or pornography.
- E-cigarettes and vaping products may be treated as drug items.
- Items of cultural value (such as art, carpets, old books) need permission from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports to be exported.
- Counterfeit and pirated goods are banned and may be taken from you or cause fines.
Bringing in cash, medicine, and valuables
- You can bring up to $10,000 USD in cash both in and out of the country without declaring. Over this, you must declare to customs.
- Prescription medicines should be kept in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Some substances are banned, so double check with the Armenian Ministry of Health if you’re not sure.
- Cameras, laptops, other valuables: bring documents showing you own them. Listing serial numbers is a helpful precaution.
Arriving and departing Armenia
Arrival process
- At border control, present your passport and visa (if required).
- Officials may ask for proof of onward travel or enough money for your stay.
- Children must arrive with their parent, legal guardian, or receiving organization.
- Armenian citizens with another nationality must use their Armenian passport to enter/leave Armenia.
Departure process
- You need a valid passport and documents proving your stay (visa, extension).
- If you overstay your visa or visa-free time, you could get a fine or future travel bans.
- When leaving, the $10,000 cash rule and artifact export rules apply.
- No exit fees are charged (but check with your airline before departure).
Useful Armenia travel resources
Official government websites
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa policy, application forms, official e-Visa portal, rules for invitation letters and extensions.
- Migration and Citizenship Service: Handles visa extensions and other immigration matters.
Embassy and consulate contacts
- Contact your local Armenian embassy or consulate for visas that require in-person application or invitations.
- US citizens can use the US Embassy in Yerevan for help in emergencies.
- Always check the embassy/consulate website for hours and appointment requirements.
Frequently asked questions
- How long can I stay in Armenia without a visa?
- Are there health certificate requirements?
- What are the customs and money rules?
Besides government websites, you can also check Travel.State.Gov (for US travelers) and GOV.UK (for UK travelers) for safety, health, and local law tips about Armenia. These resources cover common questions and give up-to-date travel advice.
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