This country opens its doors to residents of Saudi Arabia and Schengen visa holders with visa-free entry for one year.

2026-07-06T13:31:46.566Z

Armenian authorities have extended the visa-free entry system for an additional year for eligible travelers who are residents of Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, as well as holders of residence permits from the United States, the European Union, and Schengen area countries, provided that the traveler's residence is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. It…

The government authorities approved the visa-free entry system for eligible travelers who are residents of Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries for an additional year, in a step aimed at boosting tourism and attracting more visitors from the region.

Under the new decision, residents of Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries will be able to enter Armenia without needing to obtain a prior visa, provided they hold a valid residence permit for at least six months from the date of entry.

The exemption includes holders of residence permits issued by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, in addition to residents of the United States, European Union countries, and Schengen area countries.

The decision allows eligible travelers to stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within one year without needing a visa, provided they present their residence permit, whether in the form of a residence card or an official sticker inside the passport.

Armenian authorities confirmed that the extension of the decision is part of their efforts to facilitate travel procedures, remove obstacles for visitors, and encourage tourism and economic and cultural exchange with Gulf countries, especially amid increasing demand for Armenia as a preferred tourist destination during the summer season.

Lusine Gevorgyan, head of the Tourism Committee at the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, said that the extension of the exemption reflects the continued policy of openness to Gulf markets, emphasizing that her country looks forward to welcoming more visitors wishing to explore the mountainous nature, historical cities, and Armenian culture.

She added that Armenia offers a mix of mild nature, historical landmarks, competitive prices, and geographical proximity to Gulf countries, making it one of the preferred destinations for travelers during the holiday season.

Armenian authorities advised travelers to check the latest entry instructions on the official website of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling, to ensure they meet the conditions for benefiting from the exemption, as eligibility varies by nationality and residence status.

The decision represents a new boost for travel between the Kingdom and Armenia, amid the continued growth in the number of Gulf tourists and the increase in direct flights connecting Yerevan to several Gulf capitals, most notably Riyadh and Jeddah.