Travel To Armenia: What Americans Need To Know

American citizens can travel to Armenia, and no visa is required if the stay is under 180 days per year. However, U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict and the potential for military activity in the region. The U.S. Embassy has prohibited employees and their families from non-essential travel to certain areas near the border with Azerbaijan, as well as other regions within Armenia. It is important to stay informed about specific travel advisories and alerts before planning a trip to Armenia.

No visa required for US citizens

US citizens can enter Armenia without a visa and stay for up to 180 days per year. However, it is important to note that US citizens should exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict and the potential for military activity in the region. There are specific regions that US citizens should avoid, including the border region with Azerbaijan, where there is a high risk of armed conflict and travel restrictions.

To enter Armenia, US citizens need a valid passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. There are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Armenia. However, it is important to stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation and follow local requirements.

Armenia has a relatively low crime rate, but credit card fraud, ATM fraud, and vehicle break-ins have been reported. US citizens should be vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure the security of their personal belongings and information.

When travelling within Armenia, it is important to note that road conditions can be poor, especially in rural areas. Driving culture may differ from what US citizens are accustomed to, with reckless driving, frequent breaking of traffic regulations, and a lack of road signage. Public transportation is available but may be unreliable and uncomfortable.

US citizens should also be aware of cultural differences and local laws when travelling in Armenia. For example, Armenian law requires that Armenian citizens, including dual nationals, enter and depart the country using Armenian passports. Additionally, Armenian males over the age of 18 are subject to mandatory military service.

In conclusion, while US citizens can travel to Armenia without a visa, it is important to stay informed about travel advisories, local laws, and cultural differences to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Increased caution due to armed conflict

Americans can travel to Armenia, but they should exercise increased caution due to areas of armed conflict. Some areas have an increased risk of conflict, including the border region with Azerbaijan, where there is the potential for armed conflict. The U.S. Embassy has prohibited employees and their families from non-essential travel to the following areas:

• Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis
• Syunik region east of Goris
• Syunik region south of Kapan
• Tavush region along the M4 highway north of Ijevan and all areas eastward
• Gegharkunik region east of Lake Sevan
• Gegharkunik region south of Lake Sevan and east of the M10 highway
• Yeraskh village in the Ararat region (travel through is allowed, but stopping is not)
• Vayots Dzor region, east of Yeghegnadzor
• Nagorno-Karabakh

It is recommended that U.S. citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate them in an emergency. They should also follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, review the Country Security Report for Armenia, and prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has roots in events following World War I, with the territorial ownership of Nagorno-Karabakh being fiercely contested between the two countries. The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020 resulted in an Azerbaijani victory, with the capture of Shusha, the second-largest city in Nagorno-Karabakh. A ceasefire agreement was signed, ending all hostilities and resulting in a major shift in the control of the territories. However, post-war skirmishes have continued, including substantial clashes in 2022 and a later Azerbaijani offensive in 2023 that saw Azerbaijan gain control of the entirety of the disputed territory.

The conflict has been marked by the use of drones, sensors, long-range heavy artillery, missile strikes, state propaganda, and the use of social media in online information warfare. Both sides have been accused of war crimes and targeting civilian areas. The conflict has also had wider regional implications, impacting neighbouring countries such as Iran and Georgia.

No mandatory COVID-19 tests or restrictions

As of May 2022, Armenia has lifted all COVID-19-related restrictions for travellers entering the country. This means that there is no mandatory COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for Americans travelling to Armenia.

Regardless of their vaccination status, most American citizens can enter Armenia without any COVID-19-related restrictions. They do not need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the country. Additionally, there are no quarantine requirements for travellers from the United States. However, it is important to note that masks are mandatory in public spaces, including on public transportation.

While there are no COVID-19-related entry restrictions, travellers from the United States must still meet other entry requirements. A valid passport is required for entry into Armenia, and it is recommended that the passport is valid for at least six months from the date of the planned arrival in the country. US citizens can enter Armenia without a visa and stay for up to 180 days per year. For stays longer than 180 days, a residency permit must be obtained through the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is important to note that the border region with Azerbaijan should be avoided due to the potential for armed conflict. US Embassy employees and their families are prohibited from non-essential travel to certain areas, including the Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis and the Syunik region east of Goris and south of Kapan.

Although there are no mandatory COVID-19 tests or restrictions for Americans travelling to Armenia, it is always a good idea to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and recommendations. It is recommended to register with the US Embassy and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay updated and receive alerts.

No mandatory vaccinations

Americans can travel to Armenia, and there are no mandatory vaccinations for entry. However, the CDC recommends that all travelers get fully vaccinated before traveling to any international destination.

Visa Requirements

US citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 180 days per year. For visits longer than 180 days, you must apply for a residency permit through the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

COVID-19 Requirements

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of their vaccination status, can enter Armenia without restrictions. There is no mandatory quarantine, and restaurants in Armenia are open. However, bars may be closed.

Other Entry Requirements

• A valid passport is required to enter Armenia.
• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
• Armenian law requires that Armenian citizens, including dual nationals, enter and depart Armenia on Armenian passports. If you are a dual citizen, you should consult with the Embassy of Armenia before traveling.

Unsafe roads and poor driving conditions

Americans can travel to Armenia, and they don't need a visa if they have a U.S. passport. However, they should exercise caution due to unsafe roads and poor driving conditions.

Road conditions in Armenia differ significantly from those in the United States, and travelling in Armenia requires caution. Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws, making the roads unsafe for unsuspecting travellers. Reckless driving is common, and drivers often exhibit "road rage". Driving regulations are often ignored, and accidents are common. The driving culture is aggressive, and pedestrians and bicycles may not be granted the right of way.

Primary roads are frequently in poor condition, with stretches of missing pavement and large potholes. Some roads shown as primary roads on maps are unpaved and can narrow to one lane. Maps may be inaccurate. Secondary roads are usually in poor condition and are often unpaved and washed out in certain areas. Signage is often poor or non-existent.

The quality of gasoline in Armenia ranges from good at reliable stations in cities to very poor. Gasoline and other fuels sold by independent roadside merchants from jars, barrels, and trucks should be considered unreliable.

Public transportation is very inexpensive but may be unreliable and uncomfortable. Minibuses are more dangerous than other forms of public transportation as they are often overcrowded and poorly maintained, lack basic safety features such as seatbelts, and are frequently involved in accidents.

Driving at night is not recommended due to poor road conditions and limited emergency response resources. Pedestrians often cross dark streets away from designated crossings while wearing dark clothing, making them hard to spot. Winter travel can be extremely hazardous, especially in mountainous areas and at higher elevations.

On weekends, the number of intoxicated drivers on Armenian roads increases, particularly on the main highway from Yerevan to the resort areas of Tsaghkadzor and Sevan. Traffic police will attempt to stop erratic and dangerous drivers, but their presence outside of Yerevan is limited.

When driving in Armenia, it is important to yield to aggressive drivers to reduce the risk of aggression or "road rage". Police may seek bribes during traffic stops and may harass drivers with U.S. or international driver's licenses.

Frequently asked questions