Armenia
Official Language:
Armenian, Russian
Best time to visit
May - September
Republic of Armenia
Asia
Yerevan
Armenian Dram
Full name
Destination:
Currency
Capital City
Noravank, Cascade Complex, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Mount Aragats, Sevanavank Monastery, Amberd fortress, Matenadaran, History Museum of Armenia, Sergei Paradjanov Museum
Places of Interest
Top 10 Places to Visit in Armenia:
1. Yerevan: The capital city is a blend of history and modernity, with sites like the Republic Square and the Cascade Complex.
2. Garni Temple: An ancient Hellenistic temple that offers breathtaking views of the Azat River Gorge.
3. Geghard Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the rock, showcasing stunning medieval architecture.
4. Lake Sevan: One of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world, known for its scenic beauty.
5. Etchmiadzin Cathedral: Considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, situated in the religious heart of Armenia.
6. Tatev Monastery: Perched on a cliff, accessible via the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, offering spectacular views.
7. Dilijan: Often referred to as the "Switzerland of Armenia," known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.
8. Khor Virap: Offers unparalleled views of Mount Ararat and holds significant historic importance.
9. Armenian Genocide Memorial: A somber yet essential visit to understand the country's history.
10. Vanadzor: A quaint city that offers a glimpse into local life and beautiful landscapes.
History: Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history dating back to the ancient Kingdom of Urartu. It became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, which profoundly influenced its culture and identity. Throughout its history, Armenia has faced numerous invasions and has been at the crossroads of various empires. The tragic events of the Armenian Genocide in 1915 remain a pivotal moment in its collective memory.
Interesting Facts: Renowned individuals such as composer Aram Khachaturian, physicist Arthur Aygazyan, and iconic painter Martiros Saryan hail from Armenia.
Armenia boasts contributions like the invention of the first shoe and innovative advancements in mathematics and astronomy.
Cuisine: Armenian cuisine is rich and diverse, featuring dishes such as khorovats (barbecue), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and lavash (traditional flatbread). Don't miss trying lavash baked in a tandoor and sweets like baklava and gata.
Travel Tips and Secret Spots - Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) are common and affordable ways to navigate cities and rural areas.
Secret Spots: Venture to the lesser-known monasteries like Hokhtan and the beautiful hidden waterfall at Shaki for a more tranquil experience.
Safety and Recommendations: Armenia is generally safe for travelers, but it's always advisable to stay cautious at night and keep your belongings secure. Learning a few phrases in Armenian can enhance your interaction with locals.
Nature and Wildlife: Armenia's flora and fauna are diverse, featuring species like the Armenian mouflon and rare plants endemic to the region. The country is filled with breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountains.
The Best Treks and Trails: For adventure enthusiasts, the Transcaucasian Trail offers stunning treks across Armenia's varied terrain, including routes around Mount Aragats and the Dilijan National Park.
Sport: Armenia offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in the winter months at resorts like Tsaghkadzor. Water sports can be enjoyed at Lake Sevan during the summer.
Culture, Traditions, and Festivals: Armenian culture is rich with festivals celebrating everything from traditional music to cuisine. The Vardavar Festival, where water fights are a tradition, and the Art Festival held in Yerevan showcase the vibrant local culture.
Travel tips: Exploring Armenia For a well-rounded experience, consider joining guided group tours or arranging solo travel. Public transport is efficient for exploring larger cities, while local guides can provide insights into historical sites.
The Best Beaches: While Armenia is landlocked, Lake Sevan has beautiful beaches and resorts like Sevanavank, perfect for relaxation and water activities during the summer.
Hotels / Accommodation: Use the interactive map below to locate and book the best hotel deals
Vaccination
Disclaimer: Kindly be advised that we are not medical experts, and the content on this website is solely derived from our research. We suggest conducting thorough research on the required vaccines for entry into the country. It is also advisable to review the vaccinations recommended by the NHS before your trip.
We urge you to consult with medical professionals regarding safety recommendations and vaccinations.
Some vaccines are recommended or required for travel to Armenia, including:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for most travelers, especially if unvaccinated. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water.
Tetanus
Recommended for travelers who plan to visit a country where medical assistance may be limited. A booster is needed if your last tetanus jab was over ten years ago.
Rabies
Recommended for long-stay travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. Armenia is a high risk country for rabies.
Typhoid
Found in various parts of the country, and vaccination is the best form of protection.
Measles
Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure.
Other vaccines to consider include: Diphtheria and Hepatitis B.
Some areas of Western Asia, including Armenia, have a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases, such as chikungunya, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.
You should visit a travel clinic at least 8 weeks before your trip to ensure you can get all the vaccinations you need.
For more information, please visit: Armenia - Fit for Travel
Visa requirments
Please be aware that while we make an effort to update this page regularly, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on this website. Visa and safety requirements may be subject of change, so it is your responsibility to verify that you have a valid passport and visa for entry into the country. Additional requirements may also apply, so we advise conducting thorough research before your trip. We suggest checking the official government website for the most up-to-date visa requirements.
UK Citizens: British citizens don't need a visa to visit Armenia for up to 180 days in a year for business or tourism. However, they must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
If you want to stay longer than 180 days, you can apply for temporary or permanent residency in Armenia. You can also contact the Administration Department for Passports and Visas (OVIR) to extend your stay.
To work or study in Armenia, you should check the requirements with the Armenian Embassy in the UK.
Some other things to keep in mind when visiting Armenia include:
You should confirm with your airline that you'll be allowed to board without a visa.
You should apply for your visa 1-2 months before your travel date.
You should have a photograph taken within the last six months.
You should provide proof of your residence in the UK.
You should submit a copy of your onward or return tickets.
EU Citizens: No visa is required for European Union (EU) citizens to enter Armenia. EU citizens can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days without a visa.
The EU and Armenia have a Visa Facilitation Agreement that went into effect in 2014, which has made it easier for Armenian citizens to travel to the EU. The EU and Armenia are also currently in a visa liberalization dialogue, which aims to make it even easier and cheaper for Armenian citizens to travel to the EU for short-term stays. The dialogue is based on a Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP), and will only be considered successful once all the conditions are me
*Note: You should confirm visa and travel information with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
