Armenia Implements Strategic Temporary Visa Waiver for Residents of 113 Countries

The Government of the Republic of Armenia has officially sanctioned a temporary legislative measure designed to streamline entry procedures for foreign nationals holding specific residency credentials. Effective from January 1, 2026, through July 1, 2026, this new regulation grants citizens from 113 different countries the privilege of entering Armenia without the traditional visa requirement, provided they possess a qualifying residence permit from recognized jurisdictions.

To take advantage of this preferential entry system, travelers must hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States of America, any European Union member state, or countries within the Schengen Area. Furthermore, residency holders from the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, and the Sultanate of Oman are also eligible under these revised guidelines, reflecting a focus on high-growth economic regions and established international partners.

Under the terms of this decree, eligible individuals are permitted to remain within Armenian territory for a maximum duration of 180 days within a single calendar year. A critical regulatory stipulation requires that the residency document presented must have a remaining validity period of at least six months at the moment of arrival. This ensures that all visitors maintain legal status throughout their intended stay in the country while adhering to international border security standards and administrative protocols.

The Armenian Border Control Service has emphasized that residency documentation must be presented in its original physical format, such as a plastic ID card or an official sticker affixed to a passport. Digital reproductions, electronic copies, or smartphone scans will not be accepted for entry purposes under any circumstances. Lusine Gevorgyan, the Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, described the initiative as a "clear invitation for travelers from across the globe," highlighting the nation's commitment to openness and hospitality throughout the 2026 period.

This policy shift is a cornerstone of Armenia’s broader 2026–2030 tourism development strategy, which seeks to elevate the nation's profile on the international stage. The strategic importance of the sector is underscored by recent data showing that over 2.3 million tourists visited in 2023, representing a substantial 40% increase over 2022 figures. Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan has previously pointed to the economic benefits of such liberalization, noting that attracting affluent visitors from major economic blocs significantly bolsters Armenia's investment profile and stimulates local business growth.

It is important to distinguish this temporary measure from the ongoing, multi-year negotiations regarding full visa liberalization for Armenian citizens traveling to the EU and Schengen Zone, a process not expected to conclude until at least the end of 2026 or later. By simplifying entry for residents of key Western and Middle Eastern jurisdictions, Armenia is utilizing a pragmatic economic tool to sustain growth during the first half of 2026. Early indicators are promising, with January 2026 tourism figures already showing a 39% increase compared to the same month in the previous year, signaling a robust and positive upward trend for the national economy.