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Armenia


Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, the Ottoman Empire instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in at least 1 million Armenian deaths. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920.

Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding regions, approximately 14 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution.

Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over control of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In 2009, senior Armenian leaders began pursuing rapprochement with Turkey, aiming to secure an opening of the border, but Turkey has not yet ratified the Protocols normalizing relations between the two countries. In January 2015, Armenia joined Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union.

At our website you have an opportunity to find more details on destinations of Armenia:

  • Lake Sevan is deservedly regarded as the natural wonder of Armenia. The high-altitude lake possesses a rich history and fresh water sources. Adjoining to the sky, Sevan provides all the visitors once-in-a-lifetime chance to have a picture taken in front of the monastery, the lake and snowy mountain in a row. Just one thing to add, Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus region.
  • Echmiadzin (or Vagharshapat) is the heart of the Armenian religious life. Being on the World Heritage List, the city will strike its visitors by undreamt-of beauty. How can it be otherwise if the main cathedral is situated on the site pointed by Christ?
  • Zvartnots Cathedral remained buried for a long time. However, today you can enjoy its splendor and ancient spirit with your own eyes.
  • Dilijan – a spa town in the North-East of Armenia. The location is renowned for its mineral water-rich resources and masterpieces of architecture. Moreover, Dilijan is one of the most popular resorts in Armenia undergoing high-speed urbanization.
  • Erevan – both the capital and the cultural soul of Armenia. If you want to clear your mind while immersing in the handsomeness of Ararat, it’s the best possible solution. Tours in Erevan (Armenia) allow you to feast eyes on the unique mixture of the modern pace of life and antiquity of the old world.

ARMENIA BY PLANE

Zvartnots International Airport (IATA: EVN) [1], 10 km west of Yerevan is the country’s main airport.

The national carrier was Armavia (now defunct), and served destinations across the CIS, Europe and the Middle East. Some West Asian airlines (Syrian, Iranian, etc.) also serve the airport.

There are very frequent flights from across the CIS. Russian airlines include: Aeroflot, S7, Ural, Polet, Kuban Airlines, Saravia, Tatarstan, UTAir and Yamal. Others include Belevia (Belarus), Dniproavia (Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine) and SCAT (Kazakhstan).

Several European airlines also serve Yerevan: Czech Airlines, Air France, Austrian, LOT.

Shirak Airport (IATA: LWN) in Gyumri has a few flights from Russia.

ARMENIA BY TRAIN

There is an overnight train once every other day to Tbilisi, Georgia. The train links with Turkey and Azerbaijan are severed.

ARMENIA BY CAR

It is possible to drive to Armenia via Iran or Georgia. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed.

Local travel agents can arrange transport to the border; some Georgian agents can arrange transport all the way through to Tbilisi.

Although more expensive than a train or bus, a private car may be more comfortable and can be used for some sightseeing along the way.

ARMENIA BY BUS FROM GEORGIA

As of 2014 there is a comfortable Mercedes Vito minibus (marshrutka) service from Tbilisi to Yerevan for about US$17 (30GEL). Marshrutkas leave from the parking lot in front of the railway station (old name: vagzlis moadeni; new name and name of the metro stop: sadguris moedani) at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. 

Reservations can be made under +995 595 551171 in Russian, Georgian and possibly basic English +995 577 280588, too. From this service, it is also possible to get out at Alaverdi (closest major town to Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries)

  • Visa-free travel

List of countries whose nationals are unilaterally exempted from the requirement of obtaining a visa.

List of countries, with which Armenia has a visa-free regime according to bilateral and multilateral agreements.

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.


  • Visa on arrival or e-visa

Holders of all other national passports and travel documents are required to obtain an entry visa.

List of the countries whose citizens can obtain Armenian entry visas upon arrival in Armenia.

Online Visa (E-Visa)
If you qualify for a visa on arrival you may as well apply online for an electronic visa. An e-visa is helpful to avoid line-ups at the airport and not to waste time on filling out visa applications, getting local currency to pay visa fees etc. Apply for visa online - E-visa Portal


  • Regular visa issued at the Armenian embassy

List of countries nationals of which could apply for visitor visa only with invitation.

For more information visit https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/

Aragatsotn Region

Aragatsotn Region

Gegharkunik Region

Gegharkunik Region

Lori Region

Lori Region

Syunic Region

Syunic Region

Ararat Region

Ararat Region

Kotayk Region

Kotayk Region

Armavir Region

Armavir Region

Yerevan

Yerevan

Dilijan

Dilijan

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