If your country is out of the visa-free regime with Armenia, you are naturally required to pass through common processes of visa approval before arrival. Within this article, we attempted to touch on the procedure and basic requirements for obtaining an Armenian visa.
How to Apply for an Armenian Visa: Process for Foreign Citizens
Citizens of certain countries may enter Armenia only based on an official invitation. You can check whether your country requires an invitation on the official list of invitation-only countries. The invitation shall be submitted by:
- Legal entities registered in the Republic of Armenia,
- Government agencies and local self-government bodies of the Republic of Armenia,
- Embassies, consular posts, and international organizations or their representative offices are accredited in the Republic of Armenia.
- Individuals
Individuals should file the invitation with the Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia, while the remaining entities listed above need to do it with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Alternatively, it is possible to submit the invitation through the unified electronic request platform: e-request.am.
The invitation shall include personal information and other relatable data on the foreign citizen coming to Armenia. Further, the inviting party must show and justify its appropriate interest in the foreign citizen’s visit. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides an official Armenian visa invitation letter template that can be used as a reference when preparing the invitation.
Apart from the formal invitation, which typically outlines the purpose and duration of the visit, supplementary documentation is required to support the application. First and foremost, it is the foreign person’s passport for identification and verification purposes.
There are filing fees of 5,000 AMD that must be settled upon submission. The filing fees are part of administrative charges which cover processing the invitation and all other paperwork management costs. The request is processed within 5–15 working days.
Once the invitation is approved, it is communicated with the embassy or consular section of Armenia in the foreign citizen’s country. Foreign citizens are then advised to proceed with their visa application process through the diplomatic service of Armenia, typically by contacting the embassy or consulate in their home countries. This involves submitting documents (passport), attending interviews, and paying visa fees. You can find the full breakdown of Armenian consular service fees on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Those planning a longer stay in Armenia should also be aware that a visa is a short-term entry document – for extended stays, a temporary residence status in Armenia may be the more appropriate legal basis.
Armenian Visa Application Process for Foreigners of Armenian Nationality
Foreign nationals of Armenian descent have the unique opportunity to obtain an entry visa directly at the border crossings of the Republic of Armenia. This process is facilitated to encourage those of Armenian heritage to visit their homeland more easily. Those considering a more permanent connection to Armenia may also want to explore permanent residence in Armenia, for which Armenian origin is one of the qualifying grounds. To obtain an entry visa, one of the following documents must also be submitted:
- The original of the birth certificate containing an indication of Armenian nationality, and in case it is issued or approved by the competent authorities of the Republic of Armenia, only a copy,
- The original baptismal certificate issued by the church structure established by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, containing a note on Armenian nationality, and in the case of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin or approved by the competent authorities of the Republic of Armenia, only a copy,
- Any other document justifying the fact of being Armenian by nationality.
Translation of the submitted document is not required if it is written in English or Russian. In other cases, Armenian translation is mandatory. Upon arrival at an Armenian border crossing, eligible individuals should proceed to the designated visa area. Here, the documents will be reviewed by immigration officials. Applicants must ensure that all documents are in order, as any missing or incomplete information could result in delays or denial of the visa application. If you are unsure which visa category applies to your situation or need assistance preparing an invitation letter and supporting documentation, an immigration lawyer in Armenia can guide you through the process and reduce the risk of delays or refusals.