Kashlee KucheranLast Updated
On August 12, 2020, Armenia lifted the ban on foreigners entering the country and officially reopened for international tourism.
Armenia, a landlocked nation bordering Turkey and Georgia, is one of the oldest countries in the world and is rich with ancient history, ruins and archaeological sites. Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and the place where most tourists fly into.
Since Armenia shut down in March, foreign arrivals have been at record lows, but now that the nation has reopened for tourism, they are hoping for a successful and safe return of travelers into the country. Armenia is accepting tourists from all nations, making it a great option for many bi-national couples currently separated by travel bans.
Below we have all the information on Armenia’s reopening, including entry requirements, testing and quarantine information, countries allowed to visit, and everything else you need to know before you go.
Countries Allowed to Travel to Armenia:
All.
Any foreigner, regardless of the country of origin, can visit Armenia entering by air according to the current visa regulations.
Visas
Visa Information: Almost every European, North American and South American country can travel to Armenia visa-free, or with a visa-on-arrival. Only select African and Asian nations are required to apply for a visa beforehand. Use their government tool to find out if you need a visa to visit.
Update: Reports suggest the visa-on-arrival program may be suspended
Are There Quarantines or Testing Upon Arrival?
Quarantine = Yes. *However there are two options to shorten or avoid quarantine, more info below
Testing = No. Testing is not mandatory, but if an arrival does BRING with them the results of a negative PCR test that was taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival, they will be able to skip quarantine. Please note: The test is not required for entry, but as a way to avoid qaurantine.
Armenia’s Quarantine Policy For Tourists
Upon arrival into Armenia, all foreign tourists are subject to a 14-day quarantine. This quarantine can be done in a private household or a hotel.
However, tourists have the option to shorten/remove the quarantine if they:
- schedule a PCR test in their place of quarantine. If the test comes back negative, the tourists can leave quarantine and enjoy free movement during their stay in Armenia.
- Bring with them a 72-hour negative PCR test. That way they will not have to quarantine at all.
For example: A tourist from Canada arrives into Armenia and chooses to quarantine at a rental house. On the 2nd day of quarantine they have medical staff from a mobile testing unit come to the house to perform a PCR test. A negative result is provided on day 4. The Canadian tourist can then leave their quarantine and be free to go to restaurants, museums, tours, etc.
Armenia is asking tourists to only have the tests done at their place of isolation, so they do not risk the communities through travel to/from testing labs. A list of testing labs with their phone numbers is available here
Entry Requirements for Armenia
Other than the above explained visa requirements and quarantine obligations, travelers will also:
- Be subject to a health screening at the airport, which will include temperature checks and could also include randomized testing.
- Have proper health insurance that covers covid. While this is not a legal entry requirement, all travelers should have proper health coverage, especially when travelling during the pandemic.
Have Flights Resumed to Armenia?
Yes. The countries major airport in Yerevan has reopened, as well as some of the nation’s smaller regional airports.
Here are some direct flights that have either resumed or have flights scheduled soon to Yerevan, from:
- Paris on Air France
- Rome on Ryanair
- Milan on Ryanair
- Athens on Aegean
- Vienna on WizzAir and Austrian
- Berlin on Ryanair
- Warsaw on LOT
- Minsk on Belavia
- Kiev on Ukraine
- Moscow on S7
- Tbilisi on Armenia
- Tel Aviv on Armenia
- Beirut on MEA
- Doha on Qatar
- Dubai on Flydubai
- Lyon on Armenia
Currently Armenia does not fly directly to Canada, the USA, or Eastern Asia.
Land Borders
Land borders to Armenia from Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia are currently closed for all but essential traffic. Air borders are open.
Masks in Armenia
The wearing of masks in public spaces (both indoor and outdoor) of everyone over 6 years of age is compulsory in Armenia.
Hotels in Armenia
Most hotels, especially in Yerevan have reopened and have updated their sanitation protocols. Armenia has very affordable accommodations, especially in the 4-5 star category.
Here are some examples of 5-star accommodations that have reopened, all under $99/n!
Located in Yerevan, the Aghababyan's Hotel has stunning gorgeous rooms starting at around $75/n.
Grand Resort in Jermuk features a sauna, indoor pool, fitness center, hot tub and spa. Rooms start around $93/n.
The Caucasus Hotel is just 11 miles away from the airport and offers large base rooms (over 600 sq ft) starting at $69/n, with views of the Ararat Mountains.
Located on the Armenian ski resort of Tsaghkadzor, the Marriott Hotel offers modern rooms, a fitness center and indoor swimming pool. Cottage rooms start at $99/n
Skip the hotel and rent an Hhoonj Apartment just a 5-minute walk from Republic Square in Yerevan, for only $46/n!
Read More: See all other European countries now reopen for tourism, where Americans can currently travel and which countries have zero entry restrictions
Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Armenia Tourism Board / direct interviews
Disclaimer: Armenia’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
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Article originally published August 16, 2020 with updates
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