Armenia Visa Requirements by Nationality: Complete 2026 Guide

Whether you are planning a short visit, exploring business opportunities, or considering relocation to Armenia, understanding the visa requirements for your specific nationality is the essential first step. Armenia’s visa policy varies significantly depending on your citizenship, passport type, and — as of late 2024 — whether you hold a qualifying residence permit from another country.

This guide consolidates Armenia’s visa categories, entry requirements by nationality, fee schedules, and application procedures into a single reference. It reflects the latest policy changes through early 2026, including the temporary visa exemption program and the upcoming November 2026 immigration law overhaul.

Armenia visa policy overview

Armenia classifies foreign nationals into four visa categories based on nationality and passport type:

1. Visa-free entry

Citizens of 68+ countries can enter Armenia without a visa under bilateral and multilateral agreements. The duration and eligible passport types vary by agreement. Most visa-free nationals may stay for up to 180 days within one year. Notable exceptions include China and Iran, where the visa-free stay is limited to 90 days.

Visa-free countries with entry on ordinary passports include: Albania, Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, China (90 days), Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong SAR, Iran (90 days), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao SAR, Moldova, Panama, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia (90 days under the 2026 bloc agreement), Serbia, Tajikistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan. The United States, most EU member states, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other countries also enjoy visa-free entry under unilateral exemptions granted by Armenia.

Many countries have visa-free agreements limited to diplomatic and service passports only — including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other EU states under bilateral treaties. However, their ordinary passport holders typically enter visa-free under Armenia’s separate unilateral exemption list.

Special case — Montenegro: Ordinary passport holders from Montenegro may enter visa-free only between April 1 and October 31 each year.

2. E-visa

Nationals who are not eligible for visa-free entry can apply for an electronic visa through Armenia’s official e-visa portal at evisa.mfa.am. Processing typically takes up to 3 business days.

E-visa fees as of 2026:

E-visa holders may extend their stay by up to 60 additional days at a fee of AMD 500 per day (~$1.30). You may apply for an extension up to 15 working days before your visa expires, either in person at the Migration and Citizenship Service or online through the e-visa system. Extensions are processed within 2 working days.

3. Visa-on-arrival

Visa-on-arrival is available at Yerevan Zvartnots Airport and other border crossings for certain nationalities — including Canada, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, and others listed on the MFA website. The same fee schedule applies. Additionally, holders of a valid temporary or permanent residence permit or entry visa from the US, EU/Schengen states, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Russia, or Canada can obtain a visa on arrival regardless of nationality.

Important distinction for GCC countries: Under Government Decision N 1268-N, only holders of GCC residence status (from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or UAE) qualify for visa-on-arrival. A GCC visa alone does not qualify — you must hold an actual residence permit.

4. Invitation-only (sticker visa) — suspended since 16 June 2026

This category is currently empty. Government Decision N 329-N, the act that named the 57 invitation-only nationalities, was repealed in full by Government Decision N 643-N, adopted 14 May 2026 and in force from 16 June 2026. No replacement list has been adopted, and the MFA has confirmed that it no longer processes stand-alone invitation letters. Nationals of the former list can currently apply for an e-visa at evisa.mfa.am, with a processing ceiling of 3 business days rather than the several weeks the old consular route required.

The invitation has not disappeared entirely — it has moved. For Afghan and Pakistani ordinary-passport holders the MFA confirmed in writing on 15 August 2026 that an invitation — issued by an Armenian tourist agency, employer organisation, educational institution or other local company — is still required, but as a supporting document inside the e-visa application, alongside travel/health insurance, a flight reservation and evidence of financial means. A one-way ticket is accepted where the travel is for work or study.

⚠️ This is temporary. The repeal was adopted so that delegates to the COP 17 conference (Yerevan, 18–30 October 2026) could obtain visas electronically, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already proposed re-adopting equivalent rules once the conference ends. Nothing here should be read as permanent e-visa access. Note also that the MFA’s own published invitation-only page has not been updated and still lists the 57 states — it does not reflect the current position.

Key exemptions from the invitation requirement:

• Family members of Armenian citizens — spouse, parent, child, or sibling — can obtain a visa at the border without an invitation by presenting proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
• Ethnic Armenians from invitation-only countries can obtain a visa at the border with proof of Armenian ethnicity (birth certificate, baptismal certificate from a recognized Armenian church, or other supporting document).

Visa requirements by nationality

Below are the specific visa requirements for the nationalities most frequently inquiring about Armenia entry. Information reviewed 2 September 2026 against Government Decision N 1268-N, the repeal of Decision N 329-N by Decision N 643-N (in force 16 June 2026), and the MFA Consular Department’s written confirmation of 15 August 2026.

South Asia

Middle East and North Africa

Southeast Asia

CIS and post-Soviet states

Citizens of all EAEU member states — Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan — enjoy visa-free entry to Armenia with the right to live and work without a visa. Citizens of Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan also have visa-free entry under bilateral agreements. Russian citizens require only address registration rather than a residence permit for stays related to employment.

EU, US, UK, and Commonwealth

Nationals of the United States, all 27 EU member states, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea can enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days per year. No invitation is required. These nationalities can also apply for a temporary residence permit while in Armenia without departing the country first.

2026 temporary visa exemption program

From 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2027 — extended by Government Decision N 932-N — Armenia is running a temporary visa exemption that significantly expands who can enter without a visa. Nationals of 113 countries who hold a qualifying residence permit from the US, any EU or Schengen state, the UK, or a GCC country (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Oman) with at least 6 months of remaining validity may enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days per year.

This program is particularly relevant for nationals of invitation-only countries who hold residence permits in Europe, North America, or the Gulf. For example, a Pakistani national with a valid US green card, or a Bangladeshi national with a UAE residence visa, could enter Armenia without an invitation letter during this period.

Additionally, a GCC visa-free bloc agreement signed on February 22, 2026 between Armenia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar allows nationals of these countries visa-free stays of 90 days within any 180-day period on a permanent basis.

How to apply for an Armenia visa

E-visa application

For e-visa-eligible nationalities, the process is straightforward:

1. Visit evisa.mfa.am and check your eligibility by selecting your nationality.
2. Complete the online application form with your personal details, travel dates, and passport information.
3. Upload a passport-quality photograph meeting the portal’s specifications.
4. Pay the visa fee online (AMD 3,000 for 21 days or AMD 15,000 for 120 days).
5. Receive your approved e-visa by email within 3 business days from the next business day after submission.
6. Print the e-visa and present it at border control upon arrival.

For Indian, Egyptian, and Iraqi nationals (since November 24, 2024): Travel insurance is mandatory regardless of which eligibility path you use. You must additionally hold either a qualifying visa or residence permit from a major country, or provide a return ticket, invitation letter, and proof of sufficient funds.

Embassy (sticker) visa application

The compulsory embassy route below is suspended. Since 16 June 2026 nationals of the former invitation-only list — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and most African countries — apply through the e-visa system instead, and the MFA no longer processes stand-alone invitation letters. The steps are retained for reference because the rules are expected to be reinstated after October 2026:

1. Secure an invitation from an Armenian entity — this can be a registered company, an individual host, or an organization.
2. The inviting party submits the invitation to the Armenian MFA via e-request.am and pays the AMD 5,000 (~$13) state duty.
3. Wait for MFA approval — this typically takes several weeks to one month.
4. Once approved, visit the nearest Armenian embassy or consulate with the approved invitation, your passport, photos, and any supporting documents.
5. The embassy issues a sticker visa, usually within 1 business day of the appointment.

Important: Do not book flights until your invitation has been approved and your embassy visa appointment is confirmed.

From tourist entry to residence permit

Foreign nationals who enter Armenia on a tourist visa or visa-free entry can apply for a temporary residence permit without leaving the country, provided they are legally present at the time of application. Armenia offers residence permits on six grounds: study, work, business, family ties, Armenian origin, and protection.

The application is submitted to the Migration and Citizenship Service (located at Tairov 14, Yerevan) or a regional office. Required documents include: the application form, three 35×45mm photos, your passport with a notarized Armenian translation, a medical certificate from an Armenian clinic, proof of legal stay, and ground-specific supporting documents.

The government fee for a one-year temporary residence permit is AMD 105,000 (~$266). Processing takes approximately 30 days from the date of application. Filing moves onto the new electronic platform on the statutory trigger — ten days after the launch announcement, and in any event no later than 1 November 2026.

For more details on residence permit types and the application process, see our comprehensive guides on residence permits, digital nomad visas, and special residency.

Overstay penalties and violations

Overstaying your authorized period in Armenia carries administrative fines. If you remain beyond 180 days without obtaining a temporary residence permit, you may face fines of AMD 50,000–100,000 (~$130–$260). Repeated overstays or violations can result in deportation and an entry ban.

If you realize you have overstayed or are approaching the limit of your authorized stay, contact our visa assistance team or the visa overstay guide for remediation options. The sooner you address an overstay, the more options are available to regularize your status.

Upcoming changes: November 2026 immigration reform

Armenia’s most significant immigration law overhaul in a decade takes effect on November 1, 2026. Key changes affecting visa holders include:

• Work Entry Visa: Nationals from visa-required countries who plan to work in Armenia must obtain a dedicated work visa (AMD 15,000 / ~$38) from an Armenian embassy before traveling. Visa-free nationals (US, EU, etc.) are not affected.
• Digital platform: All immigration applications will be processed through a unified electronic platform, replacing the current multi-system approach.
• Biometric residence cards: Physical biometric cards will replace the current residence permit format. In-person fingerprint and signature collection in Armenia is mandatory.
• Quota system: The current labor market test for work permits will be replaced by a government-set annual quota system.
• Updated fees: New fee schedules take effect January 1, 2027, including AMD 150,000 (~$380) for temporary residence permits.

We recommend that anyone planning to apply for a residence permit in Armenia do so before November 1, 2026 to benefit from the current, simpler application process and lower fees. Correction (2 September 2026): there is no November–December 2026 grace window at the old fees. The fees rise in a single step on the platform trigger — ten days after the launch announcement and no later than 1 November 2026 — to AMD 155,950 for a temporary residence permit (AMD 150,000 application + AMD 5,950 card issuance) and AMD 255,950 for a permanent permit (AMD 250,000 + AMD 5,950). There is no separate January 2027 increase. Applications filed before the trigger keep the current AMD 105,000 temporary-permit fee, so filing early is a genuine saving — but the window closes on the trigger, not on 31 December.

Frequently asked questions