Armenia temporary visa exemption now covers residents of the United States, European Union and several Gulf states, allowing eligible visitors to stay up to 180 days under a limited 2026 programme.
Summary: Armenia has introduced a temporary visa exemption allowing holders of qualifying foreign residence permits from 113 countries — including the United States, EU member states, Schengen countries and several Gulf states — to enter visa-free and stay up to 180 days within a one-year period. The measure is valid during a limited 2026 window.
Armenia temporary visa exemption covers foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits issued by selected jurisdictions, enabling visa-free visits for eligible travellers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia confirmed the scheme, which is part of a broader push to simplify entry, boost tourism and encourage business and cultural exchange in 2026.
Who is eligible under the temporary scheme
The exemption applies to foreign nationals who hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the following jurisdictions: the United States of America, European Union member states, Schengen Area states, and a group of Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. Eligibility depends on presentation of the qualifying document at entry.
- United States of America
- European Union member states
- Schengen Area states
- United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman
Documents must be presented in physical form — either as a separate residence card or as a sticker in the traveller’s passport — and must show personal details (name, nationality, date of birth) and the document’s validity in Latin script. Crucially, the residence permit must remain valid for at least six months from the traveller’s date of entry into Armenia under the exemption.
Entry rules, duration and the temporary window
Under the measure, eligible visitors may stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one‑year period. The policy is intended as a temporary programme: it takes effect from 1 January 2026 and is scheduled to run until 1 July 2026. Travellers should note both the allowance for extended cumulative stays and the short operational window for the exemption itself.
- Maximum stay: 180 days within a one‑year period
- Residence permit validity: at least six months from entry date
- Scheme effective: 1 January 2026 – 1 July 2026 (temporary)
Why Armenian authorities introduced the exemption
Officials say the temporary exemption aims to make travel to Armenia easier, stimulate tourism, and foster international business and cultural ties. In an official government release the Tourism Committee’s chairperson described the decision as a clear invitation to international travellers to experience Armenia’s history, landscapes and hospitality in 2026.
The move forms part of a wider strategy to diversify source markets, increase visitor numbers and strengthen Armenia’s position as an accessible destination in the Caucasus and beyond.
- Expands potential visitor pool from 113 countries
- Encourages longer leisure stays, business trips and cultural visits
- Simplifies entry procedures for qualifying travellers
Which other countries are covered (examples)
While the full list of 113 jurisdictions is extensive, the government highlighted that residents from many countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean may be eligible if they hold qualifying foreign residence permits. Examples named include India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela.
Limitations and practical considerations
The exemption only applies to travellers who can present a qualifying foreign residence permit; nationals of the same countries without such permits still must follow Armenia’s standard visa procedures. Travellers should also be aware that airlines or border officials unfamiliar with the scheme may request additional verification, which could cause delays at check‑in or arrival.
- Eligibility limited to residence‑permit holders
- Physical document with Latin script required
- Temporary programme — future extension is not guaranteed
- Potential for misinterpretation by carriers or border staff
Practical advice for travellers
If you plan to use the temporary exemption, check your residence permit’s expiry date (it must be valid for at least six months from entry), carry the physical card or passport sticker, confirm airline boarding policies beforehand, and schedule travel within the exemption window (1 January – 1 July 2026).
So what? For eligible travellers this policy removes a layer of administrative friction, opening easier access to Armenia for longer stays and repeat visits. For the travel industry, it offers a short-term opportunity to attract new markets and increase inbound bookings — but agents and carriers should prepare to verify documents and communicate the scheme clearly to passengers.
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