Country Overview

Visa-Free Travel

Nationals of almost all European countries as well as certain Asian and American countries (see the full list below) do not need a visa to enter Armenia. Normally they can stay in Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days in a year. A longer stay is possible for holders of residence permits (check this page for more information on residence permits).

In practice, the 180-day rule is currently not enforced on returning visitors (e.g. those who cross the border with Georgia/Iran and come back); only uninterrupted stays of over 180 days are punishable by a fine of up to $209, payable upon exiting the country.

E-Visa (Online) / Visa on Arrival

Nationals of most other countries (see the full list below) can get a visa upon their arrival to Armenia at the airport or at the border with Georgia or Iran. The visa has a maximum validity of 120 days (extendable by another 60 days). It is also possible to get an e-visa by applying online at https://evisa.mfa.am/. A longer stay is possible for holders of residence permits (check this page for more information on residence permits).

Sticker Visa (Embassy-Issued)

Nationals of certain African and Asian countries (see the full list below) generally do not qualify for visa on arrival and cannot get an online visa (e-visa). They must obtain a visa before coming to Armenia at any embassy abroad. Normally an invitation letter from Armenia is required to get a visa. However, the invitation letter requirement is waived for ethnic Armenians and their family members. 

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Why Armenia

Country-Specific Information

E-Visa and Visa on Arrival for Indian Nationals

On Nov. 22, 2017, Armenia became the easiest country for Indian nationals to visit in Europe. As they can get visa on arrival or a visa online (e-visa) before their arrival to Armenia. Alternatively, they can simply buy tickets, come to Armenia and get a visa on arrival at the airport or other crossing points at the borders with Georgia or Iran.

The decision to liberalize visa regime with India was taken by the Armenian government on November 16, 2017,  following President Sargsyan’s visit to India earlier in November. The official decision is available at the official legislative website. Now all Indian nationals, irrespective of their residence,qualify for e-visas or visas on arrival. Armenia issues visas valid for 21 or 120 days, extendable by another 60 days. For longer stays residence permits are issued.

With these changes Armenia has become the most attractive country in Europe for Indians, at least from the immigration point of view. Earlier in 2017 Serbia exempted Indians from visa requirements. But the maximum stay there is limited to 30 days in a year. Visitors also must show proof of sufficient financial means (50 euros per day). Ukraine also recently allowed Indians to get visas on arrival, however visas are issued for up to 15 days and the paperwork involved (insurance, invitation, proof of financial means) is still considerable.

Invitation Letter

If you do not qualify for visa-free travel or visa on arrival/e-visa you will need an invitation letter from an individual or a legal entity in Armenia. There are exceptions for citizens of Iraq who may apply for a visa at the Armenian embassy without an invitation letter and citizens of Egypt and Syria who may also get Armenian visas without invitation, at the discretion of the consular officer.

Moreover, invitation letters are not required for ethnic Armenians (i.e. those who have Armenian ancestors). If you are Armenian by descent you can obtain a visa by showing evidence of your Armenian origin, e.g. a passport, birth certificate or certified baptism certificate attesting to your or your parents’ Armenian descent. Immediate relatives of Armenian citizens or ethnic Armenians (spouse, parent, son, daughter, sister, brother, grand-parents, grand-children) are also exempt from invitation letter requirements.

The consular officer may, at his discretion, not require an invitation letter from a foreigner who has a permanent resident status in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, UK, New Zealand, Switzerland or a Schengen country (except for Spain, Portugal and Greece).

Invitation letters issued by individuals must be filed with the Visa Department of the Police, and those issued by legal entities must be filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The approval is possible only after a security check which may take 2-3 weeks or even longer.

Visa Classes

There are several classes of visitor visas: tourism and visits to family and friends (V-1); family reunification (V-2); medical treatment (V-3); studies (V-4); attendance to cultural, athletic, scientific or other events (V-5); participation in humanitarian, charitable, technical assistance and similar programs (V-6); business, investment or work (V-7); crew members (V-8). The procedure for obtaining a visitor visa is generally the same irrespective of the specific purpose of the visit.

Armenian embassies do not issue long-term visas. If you need to stay in Armenia for longer periods you will need to obtain a residence permit (temporary, permanent or special). The residence permits are issued only in Armenia, they cannot be obtained at the embassies abroad.

Visa Fees & Extension

Documents Required

In order to get a visa at an Armenian embassy (if you do not qualify for visa-free travel or visa on arrival) you will be generally required to submit a valid passport, a visa application form and a passport-sized colored photograph. You will also have to pay the corresponding visa fee. Visas are issued at the discretion of the consular officer and additional documents may be requested to determine if you have a legitimate purpose and sufficient financial means to visit Armenia (e.g. invitation letter, hotel booking, tax returns, bank account statements etc.). 

Visa Overstay

Under Armenian law visa overstay is an administrative offense currently punishable by a monetary fine of US $105 to 209 (AMD 50,000 to 100,000).

Embassies

Currently Armenia has 22 embassies in Europe, 1 embassy in Africa, 13 embassies in Asia and 5 embassies in the Americas. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Investment Opportunities

Vacation Property Investment

Units are now for sale in an apart hotel ideally located in the ski resort town of Tsaghkadzor (valley of flowers in Armenian), the most desirable tourist destination in Armenia, only 50km north of the capital Yerevan. Surrounded with alpine meadows, the town is situated at a height of 1,841 meters above sea level. Summers in Tsaghkadzor are mild, winters are cold and snowy. The skiing season normally starts in mid December and stretches well into March with the top slopes often fit for skiing in April. The infrastructure of tourism is highly developed in Tsaghkadzor, which is the second Armenian city after Yerevan to have the largest number of hotels. 

Residents will enjoy a great view of the mountains. A professional company will manage the property. You may choose to personally use the property or rent it out and make extra money. Higher occupancy and rental rates means more income and higher resale profits. Tourism is growing by over 10% a year, making Tsaghkadzor a perfect place to earn a good return on property investment.