Armenia, a country rich in history and cultural heritage, attracts large numbers of visitors every year wishing to discover its hidden treasures. To facilitate entry to the country, the Armenian authorities have introduced an e-Visa system, enabling travellers to obtain their visa quickly and conveniently online.
However, it sometimes happens that the planned stay exceeds the initial duration of the visa, making it necessary to extend it. This article explains how to extend your Armenian e-Visa.
Step 1: Understanding the conditions for extension eligibility
Before embarking on the process of extending your Armenian e-Visa, it is essential to ensure that you meet all the conditions required to be eligible for this process. Here are the main conditions to take into account:
- Your visa must still be valid when you apply for an extension. You cannot apply for an extension if your visa has already expired.
- Your passport must be valid for the duration of the desired extension.
- You must have the necessary funds to support yourself during your extended stay.
- There must be no security or public health reasons preventing you from extending your stay in Armenia.
If you think you meet all these conditions, you can start the process of extending your Armenian e-Visa. You are entitled to a maximum of 60 additional days.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documents
To successfully apply for an Armenian e-Visa extension, it is important to prepare and gather all the necessary documents. Here is a list of the main documents you will need to provide:
- Your valid passport.
- A copy of your current e-Visa.
- Proof of residence in Armenia for the duration of the extended stay (e.g. a rental contract).
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your extended stay, such as bank statements or letters of guarantor.
- A duly completed and signed extension request form.
- Two recent passport photos that meet the required standards.
- If applicable, other official documents to justify the reason for your extension (invitation, study or work certificate, etc.).
This list is not exhaustive, and you are advised to check with the relevant authorities to find out which documents are required for your specific situation.
Step 3: Prepare and submit your extension application online
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, it is time to prepare and submit your Armenian e-Visa extension application. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the official Armenian government website dedicated to visas and immigration to create a user account or log in if you already have one.
- Complete the required online form by providing the information requested, such as your personal details, and the duration and reasons for your extended stay.
- Download the necessary scanned documents from the website.
- Pay the service charges required to process your extension request.
- Submit your application and wait for a response from the Armenian authorities.
Note that it may be useful to keep an electronic copy of all supporting documents and completed forms, in case you are asked to submit them at a later date.
Step 4: Follow the progress of your application online and receive the decision
Once you have submitted your Armenian e-Visa extension application, you can follow its progress directly online. The official Armenian government website allows you to log in to your user account and check the status of your application in real time. Once your application has been examined, you will receive a reply by e-mail.
If your extension request is accepted
If your request for an extension is accepted, be sure to print out the official confirmation and keep it with you throughout your extended stay. It is also advisable to check the exact validity dates of your extended visa to avoid problems on your return.
If your extension request is refused
If your request for an extension is refused, the competent authorities will generally indicate the reason for the refusal. You will then have to leave Armenia before your current visa expires. However, if exceptional circumstances justify a new extension application, it is advisable to contact the Armenian authorities concerned to discuss your situation.
Extending an Armenian e-Visa: plan ahead and get informed
To conclude, extending an Armenian e-Visa requires meeting certain conditions and following a very specific online process. The main keys to success are anticipation, knowledge of the steps to follow and careful preparation of the necessary documents. By following this advice, you're putting all the chances on your side to successfully extend your Armenian e-Visa and make the most of your stay in this fascinating country.