Visa for Armenia

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Armenia?

Your need for an Armenia visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of 60+ countries (including EU member states, USA, UK, Australia, and former USSR states) can enter visa-free for up to 180 days per year. Other travelers must obtain an e-visa ($7-50, 3-day processing) or visa on arrival at Zvartnots Airport. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and 15 other countries require a pre-approved invitation letter from Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying.

Which Nationalities Enjoy Visa-Free Entry to Armenia?

The following passport holders can enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days per year:

• 🇪🇺 all EU member states,
• 🇺🇸 United States,
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom,
• 🇦🇺 Australia,
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand,
• 🇷🇺 Russia,
• 🇧🇾 Belarus,
• 🇬🇪 Georgia,
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine,
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan,
• 🇰🇷 South Korea,
• 🇸🇬 Singapore,
• 🇦🇷 Argentina,
• 🇧🇷 Brazil.

Holders of diplomatic passports from countries with bilateral visa waiver agreements also qualify for visa-free entry.

Which Countries Require an Invitation Letter for Visa Issuance?

Citizens of the following countries must obtain a Ministry of Foreign Affairs-approved invitation letter before applying for a visa:

• 🇦🇫 Afghanistan,
• 🇧🇩 Bangladesh,
• 🇵🇰 Pakistan,
• 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia,
• 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka,
• 🇸🇾 Syria,
• 🇻🇳 Vietnam.

Exception: Holders of valid USA, EU, or GCC country visas or residence permits from these countries can apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival without an invitation letter.

What Types of Visas Are Available for Armenia?

Armenia issues three main visa categories:

• Visitor Visa (Type V) for tourism and business (21-120 days, $7-40),
• Transit Visa for 3-4 day stopovers ($25),
• Diplomatic/Official Visas for government passport holders (usually free).

The Visitor Visa covers 90% of applications and allows tourism, family visits, business meetings, and medical treatment.

Visitor Visa for Tourism and Business Purposes

The Type V Visitor Visa (single or multiple entry) permits tourism, visiting relatives, business conferences, and medical treatment for 21-120 days. It costs 3,000-20,000 AMD ($7-50) depending on duration and does not allow employment in Armenia.

Transit Visa Requirements for Travelers

Transit visas allow 3-4 day stays for travelers passing through Armenia to third countries, costing approximately 10,000 AMD ($25). No visa is required if you remain in the airport transit zone with an onward flight within 24 hours. You must provide proof of onward travel (ticket or destination visa).

Diplomatic and Official Visa Categories

Diplomatic and Official visas are issued free of charge to holders of diplomatic or service passports visiting for government purposes. They require an official request from a foreign ministry or international organization and are processed based on bilateral agreements.

How to Apply for the Armenia Electronic Visa (E-Visa)

Apply for an e-visa through the official government portal in 6 simple steps: verify eligibility, register your email, complete the application form, upload required documents (passport scan and photo), pay $7-50 by card, and download the visa grant notice within 3 business days. Print or save the approval on your phone for border presentation.

Steps to Submit the Online Visa Application

Complete the e-visa application following these steps:

1. verify your nationality eligibility on the official website,
2. register your email address for verification,
3. fill in personal and passport details accurately,
4. upload required scans and photos,
5. pay $7-50 via credit or debit card,
6. download and print the visa grant notice sent to your email within 3 business days.

What Documents Are Required for the E-Visa?

E-visa applications require the following documents:

• passport bio-data page scan (valid 3+ months beyond your stay),
• recent color photo (white background, clear face, no glasses),
• hotel booking confirmation,
• return flight tickets,
• valid email address.

Documents must meet specific resolution and format standards to avoid processing delays.

How to Track the Status of Your E-Visa Application

Track your e-visa using the application ID and passport number on the official portal’s visa tracking feature. The system displays „In Progress,” „Approved,” or issues requiring attention within 3 business days of submission.

Should You Get a Visa on Arrival in Armenia?

Visa on arrival is available at Zvartnots Airport (Yerevan), Shirak Airport (Gyumri), and major land borders with Georgia (Bagratashen, Bavra) and Iran (Meghri) for citizens of 60+ countries including USA, Canada, Australia, and EU states. Processing takes 20-60 minutes depending on queues. Citizens of India and China qualify only if holding valid USA or EU visas or residence permits.

Eligibility Criteria for Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is available to citizens of USA, Canada, Australia, and most European countries for tourism or short-term business. Indian and Chinese citizens qualify only with valid USA, EU, or other specified developed nation visas or residence permits. Other purposes require prior consular approval.

Which Border Checkpoints Issue Visas on Arrival?

Obtain visas on arrival at the following checkpoints:

• Zvartnots International Airport (Yerevan),
• Shirak Airport (Gyumri),
• land borders with Georgia (Bagratashen, Bavra),
• land border with Iran (Meghri).

Smaller land borders may require e-visas or consular visas in advance—verify current border crossing requirements before travel.

What Are the Standard Visa Requirements?

All Armenia visa applications require:

• passport valid 3+ months beyond visa validity with 1-2 blank pages,
• completed application form,
• recent color photo (white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses),
• recommended travel insurance covering medical expenses.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate or COVID-19 restrictions currently apply.

Passport Validity and Blank Page Rules

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your requested visa validity and contain 1-2 blank pages for visa stickers (embassy or arrival applications) or entry and exit stamps.

Photo Specifications and Application Forms

Submit a recent color photo (taken within 6 months) with white background, clear face, no glasses or headgear (except for religious reasons) along with a completely and truthfully filled application form for embassy and e-visa applications.

Health and Insurance Requirements for Entry

Armenia requires no yellow fever vaccination certificate or COVID-19 entry restrictions. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is highly recommended and sometimes requested by border officials. Consult tropical medicine specialists if traveling from outbreak risk regions.

What Are the Visa Fees and Payment Methods?

Armenia visa fees are non-refundable and vary by visa type. Pay in cash (Armenian Drams) at borders or by credit or debit card for e-visas.

How Long Does It Take to Process an Armenia Visa?

Processing times vary by visa type:

• E-visas: 3 business days (apply 7+ days before travel),
• visas on arrival: immediate processing (20-60 minute queues),
• embassy visas: 10+ business days (longer if invitation letter verification required).

How to Extend Your Stay or Visa in Armenia

Extend your visa at the Passport and Visa Department (OVIR) in Yerevan before expiration. You can extend a 21-day visa to 60 days total. Overstaying results in daily fines calculated upon exit.

What Are the Common Reasons for Visa Rejection?

Visa rejections commonly occur due to:

• incorrect passport number or name typos,
• passport expiring within required validity period,
• missing invitation letters (for specific nationalities),
• security flags in immigration systems,
• forged hotel or flight documents.

Submit accurate information and genuine documents to avoid rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions