Armenia grants visa-free access to...

Residents from Saudi, Bahrain and Oman can stay for up to 90 days from 1 July

Citizens and residents from all GCC countries will be able to access Armenia visa-free from 1 July 2025 and stay for up to 90 days.

The UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have had mutual visa exemptions with Armenia as early as 2017 and that will now be extended to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman.

The visa waiver applies to visits for business, tourism, family visits and cultural exchanges, with stays for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided residency permits are valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

This comes as Armenian tourism officials note a growing interest among GCC residents in exploring nearby destinations such as Azerbaijan and Georgia that offer similar authentic experiences, natural beauty and diverse culture.

Recent data from travel app Wego supports this trend, showing UAE travellers are increasingly choosing Eid holiday destinations that offer immersive experiences, cultural depth and visa-friendly convenience, with Armenia's capital Yerevan emerging as a top choice.

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia in the South Caucasus region, Armenia’s appeal for GCC travellers lies in its cool summer climate, halal-friendly dining, scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, all within a four-hour flight from most Gulf cities.

The destination is now even more accessible thanks to direct flights from carriers such as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Flydubai, and Air Arabia, which recently launched six weekly flights between the UAE’s Abu Dhabi and Yerevan.

Ruins of Zvartnos Temple and Mount Arafat

Armenia's capital Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the 8th century, and combines historic churches with tree-filled boulevards, European-style outdoor cafes, art galleries, temples and museums.

Views of snow-capped dormant volcano, Mount Ararat, are visible from all parts of the city on a clear day, and beyond the city, visitors will find Unesco-listed ancient monasteries and natural landscapes, from the the lush forest of Dilijan National Park to Mount Aragats where visitors can ski in winter and hike in summer.

“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,” said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.

For more information, visit evisa.mfa.am