Armenia Visa Requirements: Single, Multiple, Visitor and Transit

Feb 3, 2011
Paul Bradbury

Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia - Arthur Chapman

An overview of Armenia visa requirements for tourism and transit - who needs one, how to apply online, costs, and how to extend an expiring visa.

Armenia visa requirements are relatively straightforward. Visas are required by all countries including America and Britain, where there is no reciprocal agreement, but the process is quick, relatively cheap and can even be done online. Here is an overview of the visa application process.

The Different Types of Armenia Visas - Visitor and Transit

Apart from the diplomatic and service visas, there are only two main types of visa to choose from for the traveller to Armenia: visitor or transit.

A visitor visa entitles a foreigner to stay in the country for up to 120 days, and can be issued for single or multiple entry (the latter for 120 days within a 12 month period). Applications for visitor visas are typically for tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment and other short-term stay.

Transit visas are issued for single and multiple entry, and allow visitors the right to stay three nights in Armenia per visit. For travellers also requiring a visa to their country of next destination, this visa must be obtained prior to applying for the Armenian visa.

Documentation Required for Application for an Armenian Visa

passport, which must be valid for more than a month after the expiry of the visa.
invitation, if required, by the applying national.
the applicable visa fee.

Processing times at Armenian diplomatic missions are usually three working days, although more time may be required for additional checks.

How to Obtain an e-Visa for Armenia

In a progressive move for a former Soviet republic, it is now possible to obtain an electronic visa for entry to Armenia. These visas are valid at the following checkpoints: Zvartnots International Airport, Gyumri Airport, Ayrum railway station, Bagratashen, Bavra, Gogavan and Megri.

It should be noted that passport need to be valid for at least six months for an e-visa. Applications can be tracked online by reference number and are usually processed within two working days. Costs of e-visas range from $15-$60, depending on the visa required.

List of Countries Not Requiring a Visa for Armenia

Armenia's policy on waiving the need for visas is based on reciprocity, and so there are relative few countries which do not need a visa. According to the official site at time of writing (February 2011), citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Armenia: Belarus, Republic of Georgia Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Russia. Citizens of Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also do not require a visa, although this arrangement is strictly ad hoc and not due to any formal reciprocal agreement.

List of Countries Requiring Letter of Invitation for Armenian Visas

Everyone else requires a visa to entry Armenia, with visitors from some countries also requiring a letter of invitation:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, China (except Hong Kong and Macao), Egypt, India, Iraq, Nepal,

Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria and Vietnam.

It should be noted that travellers from countries which require a visa cannot obtain a visitor visa at the border, but transit visas are obtainable.

How to Extend an Armenian Visa in Yerevan

It is a relatively simple process to extend one's visa once in Armenia. Applications are processed at the

Passport and Visa Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia, which can be found at 13a Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan. Failure to extend a visa on time can result in fines of 50-100,000 Armenian drams.

Costs of Visas to Armenia

Costs of visas are subject to change, but as a general guide, here are some sample prices for visas obtained from the embassy in London:

Transit (single entry, 3 days) - £18
Visitor (single entry, 21 days) - £10
Visitor (single entry, 120 days) - £30
Visitor (multiple entry, 120 days within 12 months) - £75

As with all visa applications, the rules are subject to change at short notice and it is advisable to check the following websites for current information:

Armenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Armenian Embassy in London

Paul Bradbury - Author of Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island, and Lebanese Nuns Don't Ski

Comments

Mar 13, 2011 11:18 AM

Hanzi Stein :

We have always heard about Armenia from our Armenian neigbors. We have been always thinking of making a trip to discover that land.
In Spring 2010 we decided together with the family visiting Yerevan, and to our surprise it was really a totally new discovery.
Armenia didnt look like any of the other countries we have ever been to. It was a mixture of old and modern, Soviet and Independent !
In Yerevan we had many tours around, Erebuni, the republic square museum, the churches, night walks in Yerevan steets and open markets in the early morning.
Our trip to Dilijan was impressing too, we have been to the monastries and the two museums available, stayed for one night in "Dili villa B&B", where
it was all such an extream, we didnt like it that we are going to stay with the owner in the same house he didnt seam friendly and the place was not clean, old furniture, small rooms
and toilets where not in a good order, no hot water and the most disturbing part there was no keys or security locks for the rooms, non speaking English staff is also iritating.
They promissed us trips in Dilijan, but in general they are not so well organised so we didnt trust.
In Garni I was impressed with the temple and in Geghard with the churches. In Etchmiadzin city, I was very happy to find an Armenian couple in a wedding ceremony.
In general I can say we found a new land, a new discovery, a great exploration, and we wish Armenians the best.

Mar 13, 2011 11:25 AM

Paul Bradbury :

Thanks for reading and your comments. I thought Armenia was a great place. I worked there briefly as an aid worker in 1993, which was a fairly traumatic time, and then travelled through again in 2001 from Tbilisi on the way to Iran. Great people, great hospitality, and I agree with you - a mix of everything. Great place and highly recommended for anyone looking for something a little different.

Cheers Paul

2 Comments