Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for a long stay, a diplomat benefiting from the new 2026 normalisation updates, or a tourist just passing through, Armenian entry rules have become more flexible than ever. There’s never been a better time to see why Armenia is topping travel lists this year.
In this guide, we’ll break down who gets in for free, who needs an e-visa, and how the new 2026 'Residency Exemption' might save you a trip to the embassy.
To enter Armenia, you'll just need a valid passport plus an entry visa or residence permit (if applicable).
Armenia offers 4 main visa types tailored to your reason for visiting.
Your passport determines whether you can enter Armenia. Having some special permits can also be helpful.
Citizens of foreign countries for whom a visa-free regime is set can stay on the territory of the Republic of Armenia for no more than 180 days during one year if no other term is defined by the international agreements of the Republic of Armenia.
The visa-free countries are the following:
Visa-free country list for holders of only diplomatic and service passports.
For many travelers, there’s no need to visit an embassy months in advance. Armenia offers a Visa on Arrival, allowing you to get your entry permit the moment you land or cross the border.
If you want to enter Armenia, not all travelers are able to go without a visa; therefore, for those not on the visa-free list, there is a very travel-friendly option called an Armenia e-Visa.
The e-Visa allows you to apply for your visa online from home; you do not have to go to the Armenian Embassy or consulate to obtain your visa prior to travelling.
The e-visa allows stays of up to 120 days and, in certain circumstances, can usually be extended at the Migration Service, depending on the existence of a bilateral agreement between your country and Armenia. The countries for which the e-visa can be granted include Chile, Mexico, Peru, India, and Egypt, which are just some of the countries allowed to apply online for their visa.
All applications for a visa will be made through the e-Visa portal.
The fee for obtaining a visitor visa, where the duration is for a maximum of 21 days, is a minimum of $8, and processing should take no more than three days. The Visitor Visa, valid for up to 120 days of stay, has a non-refundable fee of ֏15,000 ($39 / €34).
For extended information and detailed requirements, see: More Information.
Most travelers don't need a visa or can get one online, but people from these countries require an official invitation. Additionally, they can only apply for a visitor visa at a Republic of Armenia diplomatic representation or consular post (not on arrival or online).
Note: As of 2026, even if you are from one of these countries, you may be exempt from the invitation requirement if you hold a valid residency permit from the US, EU/Schengen, or GCC countries (see the "Temporary Exemption" section below).
However, for the first half of 2026, these requirements have been significantly eased.
From January 1 to July 1, 2026 citizens of 113 countries (including India, the Philippines, and Canada) who hold a valid residence permit from their country of residence are able to travel to Armenia without an invitation or a prior visa application.
To extend the visa duration, it is necessary to contact the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and submit the visa extension application, providing the reason for extending the stay in Armenia.
DOWNLOAD VISA EXTENSION APPLICATION FORM (.pdf)
Armenia’s entry process has been updated with three major elements:
1. Visa-Free Entry: Visitors from over 60 countries (EU, US, UK, etc.) can visit for up to 180 days each year without additional paperwork.
2. For those who require a visa, the e-Visa portal will continue to be the quickest way to obtain one with up to 21-day or 120-day stays and a processing time of only 3 business days.
3. From January 1 through July 1, 2026, individuals with valid residence permits from the US, EU/Schengen, or GCC (such as UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia) will be able to enter Armenia without a visa, irrespective of whether their nationality normally requires an invitation or requires them to visit an embassy to receive one.
This will depend on where you live and what type of documents you possess:
-If you reside in India, you need to apply for an e-visa or a visa from your respective embassy.
-If you are a holder of a valid residence permit (UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, EU, etc.), you will be able to enter Armenia without needing a visa for up to six months under the temporary waiver agreement until July 1, 2026.
For a 21-day visitor visa, the approximate fee is $8.00 or equivalent in local currency.
For a 120-day visitor visa, the approximate fee is $39.00 or equivalent in local currency.
No visa fees for anyone under 18.
We love that you’re enjoying your time here! Yes, you can certainly request an extension.
E-mail: [email protected]
Entry visas Tel.: (+37460) 620516
Invitations Tel.: (+37460) 620516
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