Armenia, a West Asian country surrounded by mountains and rich in history, attracts many tourists, researchers and business people every year. For foreign nationals wishing to visit this country, one important question arises: is it possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Armenia? The answer depends on your nationality, the length of your stay and the type of visa you need.
Nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival in Armenia
First of all, you should know that some foreign nationals do not need a visa to enter Armenia for short stays for tourist purposes. For example, citizens of EU member states, including France, can travel to Armenia without a visa for stays of less than 180 days..
However, several other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Yerevan's Zvartnots international airport or at the country's land border points. These nationalities include : Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Israel, Jordan, North Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, North Macedonia, Oman, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey.
Other nationalities can also obtain a visa on arrival if they also hold a long-term resident visa in most Western countries (Europe, Australia, Canada, USA, South Korea, etc.) or in the Middle East.
Type of visa and length of stay in Armenia
For nationals eligible for a visa on arrival, two types of visa are generally available:
- Short-stay visa: valid for a stay of 21 days or less. This type of visa is suitable for tourists or people planning a short business trip or family visit.
- Long-stay visa: allows a stay of more than 21 days up to a maximum of 120 days. This type of visa can be useful for researchers, students, temporary workers or other travellers with specific reasons for staying longer in the country.
Please note that these visas on arrival are not suitable for working in Armenia on a regular basis or for settling permanently in the country. For these, you will need to apply to the relevant authorities for a work permit or permanent residence.
Procedure for obtaining a visa on arrival in Armenia
Nationals eligible for a visa on arrival must go to the visa-issuing section at their point of entry, either at the airport or at land border points. Here is the general procedure for obtaining a visa:
- Complete the visa application form available on site
- Attach a passport-sized photo to their completed form
- Present a valid passport with an expiry date at least 3 months after the desired end of the stay in Armenia
- Pay the visa fee according to the type and duration chosen
Generally, visas on arrival are issued quickly, but there may be delays in some cases. The border authorities may also request additional proof of accommodation, the purpose of the trip or the applicant's financial solvency.
Applying for a visa before arriving in Armenia
Electronic visa for Armenia (e-visa)
For those wishing to avoid the complications and hassle of obtaining a visa on arrival, there is an alternative: the e-visa for Armenia. The e-visa is a dematerialised travel authorisation that can be applied for easily online.
The application process for an e-visa is simple, fast and entirely online:
- Access the official Armenian government portal for e-visas or on our application assistance form.
- Fill in the form with your personal information and passport details
- Paying visa fees using an international bank card
- Wait a few days to receive approval by e-mail (in most cases this takes a minimum of 3 to 5 working days).
The advantages of an e-visa
Applying for an e-visa has many advantages over obtaining a visa on arrival:
- Save time when you arrive in Armenia: avoid queuing at visa-issuing counters at the airport or at land border points
- Plan ahead: you'll know whether your visa application has been approved even before you leave for Armenia.
- Save on processing fees: although the visa fees themselves are similar, e-visa generally avoids the extra cost of local administrative assistance in obtaining a visa on arrival.
- Simplicity and security: by applying for your e-visa in advance, you have the peace of mind of knowing that your application is being processed by the relevant authorities.
An agency service 