Armenia attracts with its Caucasian temperament. It will be interesting for both history buffs and active travelers. The picturesque nature of mountains, waterfalls and dense green forests makes the country one of the most popular tourist destinations. It has a wonderful climate and hospitable locals who are ready to receive any guest.
Travelers taking the first step into the culture of this state are interested in the question: Do I need a visa to Armenia? In this article we will try to answer in detail and reveal all the subtleties of travel to this mysterious country.
Do I need a visa to Armenia?
This republic is one of the fraternal states of the former USSR. After the collapse, 15 independent states were formed, which maintained friendly relations among themselves. Armenia is loyal to its fellow countries and has a mutual agreement with them on visa-free entry.
At the moment, citizens of 56 countries with which Armenia is in warm relations have the right to enter the country without a visa. Do I need a visa for the Russians? From 2000 to the present moment, our country is included in the list of countries with simplified entry. Citizens of Russia are always open, but there are still rules for visiting this mysterious country.
Entry rules
We have figured out whether a visa is needed to enter Armenia. It remains to get acquainted with the rules of visiting the country. For crossing the border, tourists will need a foreign passport valid for at least 3 months after leaving the country, and an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation. Instead of a Russian passport, the following documents are suitable:
- certificate of a sailor;
- service passport;
- diplomatic passport;
- document confirming the return to the country of their nationality.
In early 2017, Armenia approved the proposal for Russians to enter the country only with an internal passport. Now, entry by internal passports is available through 2 airports: Zvartnots and Shirak. Since February 23, the country has been visited in this way by 7,066 people, and, most likely, the flow of Russian tourists will only grow. Entry into the country by other means is still carried out according to passports.
The period of visa-free stay in Armenia is limited to three months per trip and 180 days per year. When entering the border, a stamp is put in the traveler’s passport, which will begin the countdown. However, if during the vacation a tourist plans to visit Armenia, then leave from it to another state (Turkey, Iran, etc.) and return, you will have to apply for an Armenian visa for multiple entries.
Entry with a child
If you are traveling with a child, you should prepare the documents in advance. Children over 14 years old need their passport; a young child must be entered in the parent's passport. Does a minor need a visa to Armenia? The rules for entry remain the same as for an adult.
The child will need the following documents to cross the border:
- International passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Passport of the Russian Federation for those over 14 years old.
If the child travels with one parent or with a third person, a notarized consent to leave from one or both parents is required.
Customs regulations
The rules mainly concern imported currency. There are no official laws on the amount of imported currency, but it is still recommended to declare funds if their amount exceeds $ 2,000. This will speed up and greatly simplify border crossing. A cash amount in excess of $ 10,000 must be posted through the bank. If you plan to travel with your pet, you will need a veterinary passport and a certificate of vaccination.
When preparing for the trip, estimate the approximate cost of all personal items. If it exceeds $ 500, you will have to pay a fee at the border. All the necessary medicines can be transported across the border. As for alcohol and cigarettes, it is forbidden to import more than 2 liters of alcohol and more than 500 cigarettes. Get ready for the fact that border guards will definitely ask for the purpose of the visit and clarify the planned dates of stay.
Hunters can import weapons and ammunition provided that they have permission to use weapons. You will also need to obtain permission to import into the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia. It is strictly forbidden to import narcotic substances and explosives into the territory of the country. You cannot export antiques, national currency, jewelry and paintings from Armenia.
When do I need a visa?
Do I need a visa to travel to Armenia in some special cases? Yes, there are such situations. For example, if a tourist entered the country, but could not leave within the allotted time for this. Even before the start of the trip, a tourist can clarify whether he needs a visa to Armenia, taking into account the specifics of the trip and the timing. If the consul’s response is positive, the foreigner should contact the Armenian Embassy for permission.
There are 4 types of visa:
- For a single entry for up to 21 days.
- Single, valid from 21 to 120 days.
- For multiple entries, valid for six months with the ability to stay in the country for up to 60 days in one visit.
- Multiple for 1 year, giving the foreigner the right to stay in the country up to 120 days.
Citizens who have not violated the law of their country in the past are rarely refused permission.
Visa to Armenia
Do Ukrainians need a visa to Armenia? For the citizens of this country, all the same rules remain as for the Russians. To obtain an Armenian visa, the following documents must be submitted to the Armenian Embassy:
- International passport.
- A questionnaire printed from the official website of the embassy and filled in personally by the applicant.
- Internal passport or equivalent document.
- Color photo 35x45 mm on a white background, without corners and ovals.
- A certificate confirming the need to stay in the country longer than the allotted time.
In addition, you will have to pay a consular fee, which can range from 7 to 99 dollars, depending on the type of visa. The alien will receive permission to enter in 3 working days.
Registration of a foreigner
Foreigners who plan to stay during one trip in Armenia for longer than 1 month must register. To do this, you need to contact the passport office at the place of residence and submit the following documents:
- International passport.
- Internal passport.
- A completed application for registration, the form of which will be issued by an employee of the passport office.
Travelling by car
Car travel is always very exciting, but it carries some difficulties. Is a visa to Armenia necessary for Belarusians and Russians wishing to cross the border by car? If the planned length of stay does not exceed the established one, then permission is not necessary. However, several nuances should be taken into account.
You can cross the border only from the Georgian side - now the routes through Azerbaijan and Turkey are temporarily closed. In addition, Armenia is not included in the list of countries to which entry is possible through the Green Card international insurance system. Therefore, before entering, you will need to purchase local insurance, the cost of which will depend on the age of the driver, the amount of horsepower in the car and the period for which the insurance is issued.
The driver will need to enter:
- Foreign and civil passport.
- Driver's license.
- Documents for the car.
- If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, a lease agreement or the consent of the owner to take the car outside the Russian Federation, drawn up by a notary, is required.
Regardless of whether you need a visa to Armenia in your case, this country is worth a visit. The permission to enter is not so complicated, and the impressions of the trip will remain for a long time.