Armenia
Phone Code
+374
Capital
Yerevan
Population
2.9 Million
Native Name
Հայաստան
Region
Asia
Western Asia
Timezone
Armenia Time
UTC+04:00
On This Page
Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus, recognised as one of the world's oldest civilisations and the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion (in 301 AD). Yerevan, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is the vibrant pink-tuff capital with Soviet-era architecture, world-class museums, the Cascade monumental staircase and views toward the snowcapped Mount Ararat. Visitors are drawn to ancient monasteries — Geghard (UNESCO) carved into the cliff, Tatev reached by the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, the dramatic Khor Virap with its Ararat backdrop, the Hellenistic Garni Temple — alongside Lake Sevan's alpine beauty, the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex in Yerevan and a culinary culture (lavash, khorovats, dolma, Areni wine, Ararat brandy) of remarkable depth. Armenia offers accessible entry through e-visa and visa-free arrangements for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements for Armenia
Armenia offers visa-free entry for citizens of many countries including EU members, Russia, Georgia, and several others for stays up to 180 days per year. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can apply for an e-visa online at evisa.mfa.am, receiving approval within days. The e-visa application requires a valid passport, passport photograph, travel dates, accommodation details, and payment of the visa fee. E-visas allow single or multiple entries for stays of 21 or 120 days. Traditional visa applications through embassies remain available for those not eligible for e-visa or requiring longer stays. Visa on arrival is available at Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport for eligible nationalities.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry
For tourism, business, and short-term visits by citizens of EU countries, CIS members, and other eligible nationalities.
E-Visa (Tourist/Business)
For tourism, business meetings, conferences, or visiting friends and family for eligible nationalities not covered by visa-free arrangements.
Visa on Arrival
For eligible nationalities arriving at Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport without advance visa.
Long-Stay Visa / Residence Permit
For work, study, family reunification, or long-term residence exceeding tourist visa duration.
Important Travel Information
Travel Guide
Armenia is one of the most rewarding destinations in the South Caucasus — a country with one of the longest continuous Christian heritages in the world, the founding architectural traditions of khachkar stone-cross carving (UNESCO Intangible Heritage), and a wine and brandy culture that draws on a 6,100-year-old viticultural pedigree (the Areni-1 cave produced the oldest known winery, dated to roughly 4,100 BC). Yerevan, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is the obvious starting point: the Cascade monumental staircase rises through the city centre with its open-air sculpture garden including works by Botero and Lynn Chadwick; Republic Square's singing fountains and Soviet-era pink tuff architecture set the tone; the Matenadaran is one of the world's great manuscript museums, holding ancient Armenian, Greek, Latin and Persian texts; the Vernissage open-air market spreads through downtown weekends; and Yerevan's coffee-and-brandy culture is among the most arresting in the region. Beyond the capital, the monasteries are extraordinary: Geghard (UNESCO) carved into the cliff face, Khor Virap on the plain with the snowcapped Mount Ararat as its backdrop, Noravank in a red-rock canyon, Tatev high above the Vorotan gorge and reached by the Wings of Tatev — at 5.7 km the world's longest reversible aerial tramway. Lake Sevan, at 1,900 m one of the world's highest large freshwater lakes, has the Sevanavank monastery on its peninsula. The Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan is the country's principal historical-memorial site. Armenia's cuisine — lavash flatbread (UNESCO Intangible Heritage), khorovats (Armenian barbecue), dolma, ghapama and Areni-region wines — gives the country a culinary identity that travels well beyond its borders. Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport connects the capital to most major European hubs.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Geghard (UNESCO) carved into the cliff, Khor Virap with its Mount Ararat panorama, Noravank in a red-rock canyon, the Hellenistic Garni Temple, Haghpat and Sanahin (UNESCO) in the north and Tatev on its dramatic plateau — Armenia's monasteries are architectural masterpieces in some of the most striking settings in the South Caucasus.
The Cascade monumental staircase with its open-air sculpture garden, Republic Square's singing fountains, the Matenadaran manuscript museum, the Vernissage weekend market, Yerevan's pink-tuff Soviet-modernist core and a thriving café and brandy culture — one of the most underrated capitals in the region.
Lake Sevan at 1,900 m with the Sevanavank monastery on its peninsula, Dilijan National Park (often called 'Armenia's Switzerland') with hiking trails through forested mountains, the Symphony of the Stones basalt columns in the Garni gorge, and the spring wildflower meadows of the central plateau.
The Wings of Tatev — at 5.7 km the world's longest reversible aerial tramway — rises across the Vorotan gorge to Tatev Monastery on its mountain plateau. Plus hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail, mountain biking and the Areni-1 cave (where the oldest known leather shoe and oldest known winery were discovered).
Armenia is one of the world's oldest wine regions — the Areni-1 cave winery is dated to about 4,100 BC. Combined with lavash flatbread (UNESCO Intangible Heritage), khorovats barbecue, dolma, ghapama and the legendary Ararat brandy that Churchill drank, Armenia offers one of the most rewarding food-and-drink itineraries in the South Caucasus.
The Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and museum in Yerevan, the rich Soviet-modernist architectural fabric of the city, the Matenadaran's archive of medieval manuscripts and the open-air History Museum on Republic Square — Armenia's narrative is dense and rewards travellers willing to engage with the depth of the country's history.
Money & Currency
Armenian Dram (AMD)
Currency code: AMD
Practical Money Tips
Armenian Dram — Very Affordable, Cards Growing in Yerevan
The Armenian Dram (AMD) is the only legal tender. Armenia is among the most affordable countries in the Caucasus: excellent food, wine, and accommodation at low cost. Yerevan is increasingly modern and card-friendly, but rural areas, village guesthouses, and monasteries operate almost entirely on cash. USD and EUR are widely exchangeable at bureaux de change across Yerevan, often with competitive rates.
ATMs Available in Yerevan, Sparse Outside the Capital
ATMs from Inecobank, Ameriabank, and Ardshinbank are plentiful in Yerevan. International Visa/Mastercard cards work reliably in the capital. Outside Yerevan — in Gyumri, Vanadzor, and the countryside — ATMs become sporadic. For travel to Lake Sevan, Tatev, Khor Virap, or remote monasteries, withdraw sufficient AMD in Yerevan before departure. No-fee withdrawal cards like Wise work well.
Cards Accepted in Yerevan Cafés and Hotels — Less So in Rural Areas
Yerevan's restaurants, hotels, and shops increasingly accept Visa and Mastercard, especially in the trendy Mashtots and Northern Avenue areas. Local coffee culture (Yerevan has a thriving café scene) has driven contactless terminal adoption. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at modern establishments. Outside Yerevan, and at local markets, cash is standard.
Cash Is Essential for Village Travel and Religious Sites
Armenia's remarkable monasteries (Geghard, Noravank, Haghpat, Tatev) and rural guesthouses operate on cash. Bring AMD for entrance fees (typically AMD 500–2,000), donations at working churches, shared transport (marshrutka), and local bazaars. The AMD goes far: a full restaurant meal in Yerevan costs around AMD 3,000–6,000 (approx. €7–15).
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
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