Visa-Free Regime

Most European countries, selected Asian nations, and certain American states, are granted visa-free access to Armenia (see the complete list below). Typically, visitors from these countries can enjoy a visa-free stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a year. For those interested in extended stays, Armenia offers the possibility of obtaining residence permits.

In practice, Armenia does not strictly enforce the 180-day rule for returning visitors. For example, individuals crossing the border with neighboring countries such as Georgia or Iran and returning to Armenia are not subject to the 180-day limit. However, continuous stays exceeding 180 days can lead to fines ranging from AMD 50,000 to 100,000 (approximately $130 to $261), which must be settled upon departure from the country.

Visa on Arrival

Nationals of certain countries are eligible to get a visa on arrival (alternatively, they can choose to apply for a visa beforehand at an Armenian embassy or through e-visa platform). Additionally, visas on arrival are extended to ethnic Armenians and their immediate family members, regardless of their citizenship.

E-Visa (Online)

Citizens of certain countries have the option to obtain an e-visa through an online application process, accessible at https://evisa.mfa.am/. A longer stay is possible for holders of residence permits. The e-visa for Armenia typically has a maximum validity of 120 days (extendable by up to another 60 days). 

These nationals can also qualify for a visa on arrival only if they hold a valid visa or a temporary or permanent residence card from an EU/Schengen country, or one of the GCC countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain), USA, UK, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or South Korea.

Sticker Visa (Embassy-Issued)

Nationals of certain African and Asian countries, as detailed in the list provided below, typically do not have the option to acquire an online visa (e-visa) for Armenia. Instead, they are required to obtain their visas prior to their arrival in Armenia by visiting any Armenian embassy abroad.

Normally, obtaining a visa involves the submission of an invitation letter from Armenia. However, it's important to note that this invitation letter requirement is waived for ethnic Armenians and their immediate family members. 

Invitation Letter

If you do not meet the criteria for visa-free travel, e-visas, or visas on arrival, you will need to obtain an invitation letter from an individual or a legal entity in Armenia. However, there are exceptions for Syrian citizens who may be eligible for Armenian visas without the need for an invitation letter, at the discretion of the consular officer.

Moreover, individuals who have Armenian ethnicity are exempt from the invitation letter requirement. To obtain a visa, they can provide evidence of their Armenian origin, such as a passport, birth certificate, or certified baptism certificate, attesting to their or their parents' Armenian descent. Immediate relatives of Armenian citizens or ethnic Armenians, including spouses, parents, children, sisters, and brothers, are also exempt from the invitation letter requirement.

Foreigners who hold permanent resident status in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Switzerland, or a Schengen country (except for Spain, Portugal, and Greece) may, at the discretion of the consular officer, not require an invitation letter.

Invitation letters issued by individuals must be submitted to the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, while those issued by legal entities should be filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The approval process for these invitation letters involves a security check, which can take 2-3 weeks or even longer.

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.