Planning a vacation often involves a lot of preparation, especially if your country’s passport does not allow you to get to your dream destination without a visa. This is the case for Armenian nationals. There is not a long list of visa-free countries for Armenia nationals. However, in this blog, we will offer some great places for your next adventure.
How Many Countries Can Armenians Visit Without a Visa?
Sometimes you find yourself wanting to take a spontaneous trip, especially when embassies are swamped in summer. This has become a pressing issue especially after some air companies like WizzAir opened direct flights to Yerevan. The top destinations are Italian and German cities. However, you can opt for such routes only in case you get a visa or you already have a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
According to the Passport Index, the Armenian passport’s mobility score is 83. This means its holders do not have many opportunities for visa-free travel but there are still several dozens of countries to consider. So, Armenian nationals looking to avoid the hassle of visa applications have to find the most suitable destinations to save a lot of time and stress.
The full list of these destinations is also available on the Foreign Ministry’s website. Just be careful as it also includes the countries with no visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders, and this list naturally is much longer. Let’s find exciting tourist-friendly countries to travel to without any limits.
Armenia’s Neighbors – Georgia and Iran
Traveling to neighboring countries such as Georgia and Iran is easy due to agreements on visa-free travel. It has become even easier in the case of Georgia. Last year the two countries agreed that Armenian nationals need only ID to cross through international borders. In the past, they had to carry a passport. The flow of tourists is especially big during the summer as many Armenians prefer sea vacations, and Georgia is arguably the cheapest option.
For Iran, you don’t need a visa; ensure you have your passport and any other necessary travel documents. The visa-free regime came into effect back in 2016 and was suspended for several months only during the COVID-19 pandemic.
European Countries With No Visas for Armenians
Getting a visa for most European countries requires preparation and a lot of paperwork. However, there are some countries for Armenians to consider. You can explore Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro without a visa. Serbia allows Armenians to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Albania also welcomes Armenian travelers without any papers offering beautiful landscapes and a rich culture to explore freely.
Montenegro and Armenia have established flexible visa regimes. This means you do not need any documents to travel during certain months (from April to October). So, you can enjoy the sea and beautiful sites of Montenegro without a hassle.
UAE and Qatar
This year brought the long-awaited visa abolishment with the United Arab Emirates. Starting from February 1, 2024, Armenian citizens must bring only a passport valid for at least six months. With several weekly flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, reaching the UAE from Armenia takes only about three hours. This is one of the reasons it’s a top destination for Armenian nationals. This makes it ideal for a quick beach vacation or a visit to world-famous sites and theme parks.
Although Qatar is less popular than the UAE, there are no requirements for visiting this country as well. By the way, with the direct flights from Yerevan to Doha, Qatar has become a great hub for those who want to make a stop during their longer journeys, for example on the way to the Asian countries or North America.
Sharm El-Sheikh
Armenians do have to obtain a visa when traveling to Egypt. The only exception is for travelers going to the Sharm El-Sheikh resort. It has recently become the number one destination for a beach holiday. The reason is charter flights and numerous hotels with budget prices for “all-inclusive holidays”. It really helps in the case of a family holiday with kids when you can cover most of your costs, such as accommodation, food and drinks, in advance.
Visa-Free Countries for Armenian Nationals in South America
Exploring South America just got easier for Armenian citizens more than ten years ago. There are no visa requirements for Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Ecuador. Although the journey is long and airfare can be pricey, there are still people who can spend much. If so, you are free to attend the famous Rio Carnival or dive into the charm of Buenos Aires or Montevideo. These countries have large Armenian communities and close ties with Armenia. So, here you go, when searching for an unusual destination, pick one of them.
By the way, last year Panama also removed visas for Armenia nationals.
China
Another attractive country to visit without the need to stand in a queue at the embassy is China. It is often considered as a place for students and business travelers. However, China’s appeal extends far beyond this. The Great Wall of China and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are just a few of the incredible sites to explore. There is also the city of Shanghai, which has a modern skyline and vibrant culture. Additionally, Hongkong and Macao, a city known for its bustling casinos, are also visa-free, offering another fascinating place to discover.
Traveling Without Problems with Levon Travel
Traveling has become much easier for Armenians with some countries like UAE now offering visa-free entry. Of course, the top-thought-after destinations are in the Schengen area. However, the good news is that there are still other visa-free countries for Armenian citizens for a spontaneous, not pre-planned trip. Let’s not forget about dozens of places with upon-entry visas like Maldives, Tanzania, and Bali.
Despite the distance or the costs, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. And if you ever feel overwhelmed with travel plans, Levon Travel professionals are here to help. With over 30 years of experience, we handle all the paperwork and take care of all details. Tourists must only pack bags and explore the world.