The Republic of Armenia has officially announced that, starting July 1, 2025, residents of the United Arab Emirates will be allowed to enter Armenia without a visa, marking a major development in regional travel and tourism cooperation.
The move was confirmed by the Armenian Tourism Committee and will significantly simplify travel for UAE residents holding a valid residency permit of at least six months. This privilege was earlier reserved only for UAE nationals.
The visa-free policy is not limited to the UAE alone. It applies to all GCC nations — including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman — and extends to any resident holding a valid permit issued by these countries. Eligible travelers will be allowed to stay in Armenia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or leisure without the need for a prior visa.
“This milestone reflects our dedication to making Armenia more accessible to regional travellers,” said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia. “We look forward to welcoming more guests from the GCC who seek meaningful travel experiences – whether through our ancient monasteries, vibrant food scene, or immersive cultural festivals.”
The new entry policy is part of Armenia’s larger plan to strengthen tourism, economic partnerships, and cultural connections with the Gulf region. Approved during a recent cabinet meeting, the initiative is designed to attract a broader segment of GCC expatriate communities who are increasingly exploring short-haul destinations with unique cultural and natural experiences.
Armenia has seen rising interest from travelers in the UAE due to its historic monasteries, scenic mountains, and rich culinary traditions. With a three-hour direct flight from UAE airports via flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air, the country is now more accessible than ever.
This new visa waiver builds on earlier diplomatic moves. Armenia introduced visa-free entry for UAE citizens in 2017, Qatar in 2019, and Kuwait in 2022.
The visa-free entry isn’t limited to the GCC. Armenia has also extended similar privileges to residents of the European Union, Schengen Area, and the United States, as long as their residency permits are valid for six months beyond their travel date.
This broader access plan is part of Armenia’s aim to position itself as a hub for international tourism and cross-border collaboration in the South Caucasus.
Summary of Entry Guidelines:
- Applies to all GCC citizens and residents
- Residency permit must be valid for at least 6 months
- Maximum stay: 90 days in any 180-day period
- Entry allowed for tourism, business, and leisure
- Effective from July 1, 2025
