Under the new rules, citizens from a wide range of countries — including members of the European Union, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, among others — can enter Armenia without securing a visa and can stay for up to 180 days in a one-year period. The policy is designed to boost tourism and make spontaneous travel easier for leisure, business and cultural visits with Armenia just a short to mid-haul flight from many European countries.

The visa exemption, which took effect on 1 January 2026, applies to nationals of the 113 designated countries and to holders of valid residence permits, including the EU and Schengen area (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). Visa-free entry has been standard for British passport holders for many years, but this expansion significantly broadens access for travellers worldwide. 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Visit Armenia (@visitarmenia.travel)

Officials have said the move aims to boost the tourism sector by removing administrative hurdles that may have deterred potential visitors. “This decision is a clear invitation to travellers around the world,” said Armenia’s Tourism Committee chairman, Lusine Gevorgyan. “Armenia is open and welcoming, and we look forward to sharing our culture, landscapes and hospitality with more visitors throughout 2026,” she added.

Armenia, a landlocked nation in the South Caucasus highlands, has long been valued by adventure souls, food lovers and culture enthusiasts for its ancient monasteries, rugged mountain terrain and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. “With its ancient monasteries, dramatic mountain scenery, vibrant food scene and rich traditions, Armenia offers travellers a unique blend of history and modern life,” Gevorgyan said.

Visitors arriving without a visa are expected to find plenty to explore. The country’s medieval stone monasteries, such as Haghpat and Sanahin — 10th- and 13^th-century complexes in the northern Lori region that were once major religious centres of learning and are now UNESCO-recognised — nestle amid dramatic peaks and deep valleys, offering both a spiritual retreat and scenic hiking opportunities.

Another not-to-miss site is Tatev Monastery, a 9^th-century Armenian Apostolic Christian complex near the village of Tatev in Syunik Province, perched on the edge of the Vorotan River Gorge, which plunges some 850 metres below. In its early years, the monastery was home to over 1,000 monks and a community of craftsmen. Visitors can also enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making Tatev Monastery a key cultural and scenic attraction in the region.

Beyond its historic gems, Armenia’s Lesser Caucasus Mountains offer numerous trails ideal for trekking and outdoor adventures, including the Transcaucasian Trail, which stretches over 800 kilometres across the country’s varied landscapes. In winter, the country also offers an affordable and uncrowded skiing experience, with top resorts including Tsaghkadzor, featuring over 30 km of trails, and the modern Myler Mountain Resort with advanced facilities.

“From exploring Yerevan’s cafe culture and museums to discovering hiking trails and UNESCO World Heritage sites, the country provides diverse experiences year-round,” Lusine Gevorgyan highlighted.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Tsaghkadzor Ropeway (@tsaghkadzor_ropeway)

The capital city of Yerevan blends monumental Soviet-era architecture with a burgeoning café culture and contemporary arts scene. Museums such as the Matenadaran, holding thousands of ancient manuscripts, and the History Museum of Armenia offer deep dives into the country’s past, while busy boulevards and vibrant cafes invite travellers to linger and soak up local life. 

Travel experts highlight Armenia’s vibrant food scene, where visitors can sample traditional staple dishes such as khorovats (grilled meats), tolma (stuffed grape leaves or vegetables), lahmajouns (local pizza), ghapama (stuffed pumpkin) and the iconic lavash bread, paired with locally produced wines and brandies or rich flavoured coffee, served in lively cafés and restaurants that showcase the country’s rich culinary traditions.

Many visitors are also drawn to Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, and to smaller cities like Gyumri, noted for its warm hospitality and rich food scene. 

Many visitors are also drawn to Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, known for its crystal-clear waters and historic Sevanavank Monastery perched on a hill overlooking the lake. The area is popular for swimming, boating, and sampling fresh fish, particularly the local Sevan trout. Nearby areas offer a taste of traditional Armenian hospitality and cultural experiences, with smaller cities such as Gyumri renowned for their welcoming atmosphere and vibrant culinary scene.

The government has framed the visa-free period as an opportunity for Armenia to strengthen its position on the global tourism map, and that a surge in international visitors this year will support future travel initiatives beyond July.

L’article Armenia introduces visa-free travel until July 2026 to boost tourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Two important agreements in one week: #Armenia-EU common aviation and Arm’s association to @HorizonEU! Agreement with @Europol signed in September! Remarkable benchmarks in relations.already embarked on next step of ratification, looking forward to the full implementation! pic.twitter.com/93fGyUOXTB

— Armenia in Brussels & Luxembourg (@ArminBXL) November 18, 2021

1. Direct flights

This signing opens up new perspectives for consumers, airlines as well as airports in Armenia and the EU. All the European airlines will be able to operate direct flights from any EU airport to any airport in Armenia, and vice versa for Armenian airlines. In addition, all limitations and restrictions on flights between Armenia and the EU will be removed and the provisions on open and fair competition will ensure a level playing field.

The agreement will allow the EU and Armenia to strengthen their aviation relations through gradual integration into the EU market. This is an essential step in our strategy to establish closer cooperation with our neighbors.

Adina Valean, European Commissioner for Transport

2. European Common Aviation Area

The integration of Armenia into the European Common Aviation Area requires the effective and full implementation of EU aviation rules and standards in areas such as aviation safety, security, air traffic management, the environment, economic regulation and consumer protection. These are to be carried out progressively through two transitional periods.

The European Commission will monitor Armenia’s compliance with the relevant EU requirements and standards, through technical assessments. Compliance inspections will also be conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for aviation safety.

In Armenia, limited international flight connections generally impede the development of the tourism industry. However, the government’s civil aviation reforms, undertaken several years ago, have resulted in the arrival of several new low-cost carriers in 2019 and 2020 that operate flights between Armenia and major European destinations.

3. Trade opportunities

The EU-Armenia agreement will thus facilitate people-to-people exchanges and expand trade possibilities between the EU and Armenia. It will also be a valuable instrument for the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the EU and Armenia.

“The agreement will allow more travel choices for citizens, new opportunities for the aviation industry, and better network connectivity with new routes and destinations for the benefit of consumers, the tourism industry and trade“, added Valian.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2020 annual research on Armenia, travel and tourism contributed 11.8% to Armenia’s gross domestic product in 2019, providing 12.5% of total employment.

L’article EU and Armenia sign aviation agreement est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

If you decide to visit the country – which you should – then you will probably arrive by plane in Yerevan. The Armenian capital looks a lot like a maze, with both ancient remnants and modern buildings woven into one big not so coherent web. As about one third of the country’s population (which only counts three million residents) lives in the capital, it is no surprise that things can get a little crowded. Yet once you exit the city, you are rewarded with endless sights and the scent of fresh and tender peaches. Admittedly, that scent will be poisoned by that of an old Lada every now and then but it makes it no less charming. 

1. Dilijan, a rare gem

At about an hour and a half from Yerevan, you will find Dilijan. Compared to other cities in the country, which can sometimes be a bit grim and not particularly cozy, Dilijan is definitely an exception. Compared to other places, you will find quite a lot of tourists in this region, although you will not have to deal with any crowds. Mass tourism is not a thing over here and let’s be honest, that is a good thing. In the town center you will find an old artificial pond, speckled with plastic swans who keep an eye on the few hipsters who are sipping on their coffee in one of the surrounding cafés. The whole scene seems to be frozen in time, as if the modern world never reached Dilijan. If you are looking for a dose of culture, you will be happy to encounter Jukhtavank a bit further down the road. The monastery road which passes by is the perfect itinerary for an afternoon full of adventures – although it is not advised if you are afraid of cows. They will not chase you, yet they absolutely will stare at you. 

Time to get down to business. The whole reason why I was visiting the city in the first place, was to hike part of the Armenian Caucasus. Dilijan happens to be lie in Dilijan National Park (what’s in a name, right?), so it is the perfect base camp if you want to explore a beautiful piece of nature. Be aware of the fact that walking trails in Armenia are not well-indicated, so it definitely is necessary to take some kind of map with you. In the local tourist information center, you will be able to buy the Cartisan hiking map which is a life saver. Together with the MapOut app, this will guide you through the wilderness like a pro. 

2. National Park

If you are willing to hike in Dilijan National Park, you will have to take everything you need with you. The area is completely abandoned except for some shepherds who keep their herds in the mountains during the summer months, so you will not be able to find any accommodation en route, let alone a shop to buy some food. There are a lot of natural springs in the mountains though, which are also indicated on the map, so you will not be thirsty if everything goes well.

With half a household on my back, I went for it. I encountered dazzling cliffs, pitch black caves and some of the above-mentioned shepherds on my way. As someone who is used to a certain standard of living, it is definitely tempting to pity those shepherds who spend their summers with their entire family in what can only be called Spartan huts, made out of corrugated sheets, held together only by a couple of rocks. Yet appearances are deceptive.

3. At the top of the world

After a day filled with experiences which made me feel absolutely tiny compared to the endlessness of the mountains, I set up my tent on top of the world. Or so it seemed anyway. My eyes could see for miles and miles ahead, the sky seemed closer than ever before and I did not look forward to the darkness of the night.  The silence was all of a sudden broken by an old Lada passing by, filled to the brim with children clearly having a good time. One of the shepherds, making their way down the mountain to get some supplies. A couple of hours later, the same car passed by and this time, it stopped. Even though none of them spoke a word of English, they made clear that they wanted me to stay over for the night as there was a thunderstorm on its way. I just barely managed to decline their offer, yet they clearly felt sorry for me and wanted to do at least something. So there I was, standing on top of the world with my hands full of crispy apples, sweet apricots and old school sweets, my trust in mankind restored. 

The next day, it was time to make my way downhill. I realize that our mainstream definition of wealth in the West definitely needs reviewing. Even though those shepherds from the night before definitely do not have an easy life, for them it seemed like I was the one to feel sorry for, with my tiny tent in those rough mountains. And for me, being there, surrounded by nothing but nature, it felt like I had never been as free nor as careless ever before. A lonesome eagle flying by above my head interrupts my thoughts. I follow it until it is out of sight, as enthusiast as a 3 year-old kid. I wonder if I ever have to go back to my daily life, if this would not be enough. Wealth definitely is open to interpretation. No need to say, the return to the habited world was not an easy one. After two days filled only with rippling streams, animal sightings, fields of flowers and endless views, the sight of something as simple as a house can be enough to break the illusion that you are alone in the world. 

L’article A two-day hike in the Armenian Caucasus est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.