Central Asia & Caucasus
Armenia
Small, safe and welcoming: Yerevan's walkable café culture, monasteries and highland hikes sit a few hours apart. Popular with tech nomads; closed Turkish and Azerbaijani borders mean arriving by air, Georgia or Iran.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa66 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyAMDUS$1 ≈ ֏362.96Details
- Price level38%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is drinkable in Yerevan and most towns, and street drinking fountains (pulpulaks) are everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal but widely disapproved; activists face harassment.Details
- Internet90 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 76 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1968 International Driving Permit with your licence. Roads are poor, especially November to February.
Where to go in Armenia
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Armenia
May–June and September–October are ideal; Yerevan summers can top 40°C. Lake Sevan suits July–August; Tsaghkadzor has winter skiing.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; others apply online at the e-visa portal before travelling.
- Land borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed. Enter by air or overland from Georgia or Iran.
- There is no digital-nomad visa; long stays need a residence permit via the passport and visa department.
Laws visitors break by accident
- CBD and cannabis are illegal, even with a foreign prescription.
- Photographing military sites or equipment can lead to detention.
- Public drunkenness is frowned on and has led to arrests.
Etiquette
- Accept offered coffee, fruit or brandy; refusing hospitality outright can offend.
- The 1915 genocide and Karabakh are painful topics; listen rather than debate.
- Cover shoulders in churches and keep voices low during services.
Tipping
Restaurants often add a 10% service charge; leave a little extra for good service. Round up taxi fares.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Armenia
- Armenia e-Visa portal
- Speedtest Global Index: Armenia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.