Last 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?
Testing = Yes. Travelers are required to bring proof a 72-hour negative PCR test.
If a traveler enters Armenia without this test, they are subject to a 14-day quarantine. A PCR test can then be done while isolating, which the negative results will end the quarantine early for the traveler.
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
In January 2021 Armenia stated that both land and air borders are now 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 $46/n!
Read More: See all other European countries now reopen for tourism, where Americans can currently travel and which countries have zero entry restrictions
Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Armenia Tourism Board / direct interviews
Disclaimer: Armenia’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
Join the discussion:
Our Travel Off Path Community Facebook page is the best place for travel chats, questions, and help.
Article originally published August 16, 2020 with updates
Vako Armeno
Thursday 28th of January 2021
Hey all, The land boders with Iran and Georgia are open for regular travelers to Armenia (check out with Iran and Georgia in case you are going back on land).
You can do your test at the airport for 30-40$. They send you the answer by email in a few hours.
No visa on arrival yet. You can apply for evisa. Cheers! Welcome to Armenia, Vako
Vako Armeno
Tuesday 9th of March 2021
@JMC, As Kashlee wrote, Armenia hasn't yet made an announcement about letting in vaccinated travelers. For the time being, everybody entering Armenia has to show a negative PCR test result or do one at the point of entry; airport or land borders. For the time being, the train is not functioning as far as I know. Not sure if it will change by April (www.railway.am). You can come by a shared taxi or a mini-bus. They do the tests at the point of entry and send you the results in a few hours ( I got mine in 6 hours). You don't have to stay at the airport or land border if you don't have symptoms. They take your info (phone, number, hotel, etc) and you are free to go and stay at the hotel until you get your negative result. And then you are free. enjoy Armenia, and pls let me know if you have further questions.
JMC
Friday 5th of March 2021
@Vako Armeno,
US Citizens who will be fully vaccinated by April 1, I am looking to enter Georgia and cross into Armenia for a few days. Is Armenia allowing either (A) US Citizens vaccinated or (B) travelers from Georgia without testing?
Also, if test is required how reliable are the "few hours"? I wouldnt mind waiting at the airport for a few hours to enter. Have you heard of any testing possible at the train station? That would be optimal as I would rather take the overnight train.
Nvard
Thursday 24th of September 2020
Hello There is a new regulation now in Armenia , which makes it a lot easer to enter the country . There will be lab-desks in the airport , so you can be tested just on arrival and in a case of negative results you're free to move .
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 24th of September 2020
Hello, thank you for the tip. I will see if I can find government confirmation and update
Aditi Tambekar
Friday 11th of September 2020
What is the status for indian tourists can they visit Armenia now? Please update
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 12th of September 2020
The article clearly answers your question
Kulbir Singh
Friday 11th of September 2020
Hi , when visa on arrival open ?
Danielle
Tuesday 8th of September 2020
I don't expect that land borders will be open before September 30, since Georgia stated that commercial flights are suspended until then for most carriers. Georgia is extremely strict about foreign visitors unless they intend to apply to stay for long-term business purposes, even for countries that have a much lower case count than Armenia. Therefore, I wouldn't plan your trip around driving into Armenia for at least a few more weeks.
Mariam
Tuesday 8th of September 2020
Hopefully it will be just Sept 30 and no more delays at least....I've been looking for that approximate date and havent heard anything yet about borders opening after Sept 30 (I hope!)